Interpretation
Seroconversion may take up to 3 weeks from the onset of illness. It is
recommended negative results within this time frame should be repeated if
clinically indicated.
Within 5 days of onset of symptoms blood (EDTA),CSF,tissue or urine (EMU) may
be tested for Leptospira PCR. In the ” immune phase” 7-10 days from onset,
urine is the sample of choice for PCR.
This Leptospirosis screening assay has limited specificity. PCR on blood and
urine are highly specific within the first two weeks of illness. Discuss with
a clinical Microbiologist if required.
Paired positive sera are sent to ESR for confirmation and speciation. Leptospirosis is a Notifiable Disease
Reference Intervals
Reported as Negative or Equivocal or Positive