Official State of Rhode Island website

State of Rhode Island Department of Health

Chlamydia psittaci

Clinical Specimen Submission Guidance

Submit all specimens to 50 Orms St, Providence RI 02904. Open Monday to Friday 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM

Lab

Special Pathogens & Biothreats Laboratory 401-222-5586

Analyte Name

Chlamydia psittaci

Disease

Psittacosis (Parrot Fever)

Test Description

PREAUTHORIZATION by the RIDOH Center for Acute Infectious Disease Epidemiology is required (401) 222-2577.

If testing is approved, specimens are sent to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for testing.

Specimen

Consult with the RISHL Special Pathogens & Biothreats Laboratory at (401) 222-5586 for guidance on specimen selection, collection and submission.

 

Specimen Identification

CLIA regulations require specimens be labeled with at least two patient identifiers. Examples of identifiers are first and last name, date of birth, chart/medical record number. The specimen container must be labeled to match the test requisition or the electronic order.

Form Required

Rhode Island State Health Laboratories (RISHL) test requisition form https://health.ri.gov/forms/LabRequisitionForm.pdf

CDC 50.34 Form is required

Test Request

CDC Send-out

Write Chlamydia psittaci under Comments/Other Test Requests

Transport

Specimens must be packaged & transported in accordance with current federal shipping regulations.

 

Specimen Rejection Criteria

The following rejection criteria will be used to ensure accurate specimen information and specimen condition for testing:

  • Specimen received outside acceptable transport range
  • Demographics different of specimen
  • Two identifiers required on specimen / Unable to read identifiers on specimen
  • Expired/ incorrect collection kit
  • Insufficient quantity
  • Urine cup received
  • No specimen received
  • Specimen leaked in transit
  • Test not evaluated in adolescents < 14
  • No swab received
  • Specimen too old
Reporting Requirement

Providers must report patient information on Psittacosis within 4 days using the RIDOH reportable disease form.

Turnaround Time

CDC turnaround time is 7 days

Kit

Containers specifically labeled for transport of specimens and isolates to the RISHL Special Pathogens & Biothreats Laboratory are available in all Microbiology Laboratories and Laboratory Send-out Departments.