Leptospira Serology

This test is referred to another lab outside our network
This does not affect where samples are sent and where your results are issued.
Description: 
Sample sent to PHE Porton Down RIPL referral laboratory for Leptospira serology testing, other Leptospira diagnostic tests can be organised on discussion with the laboratory. Users are requested to complete the reference laboratory request form which can be obtained via our laboratory.
Clinical details: 
Symptomatic leptospirosis presents as an abrupt onset febrile illness with myalgia, headache and vomiting. Most cases will spontaneously resolve but may be followed by a second phase of abdominal pain, diarrhoea rash and jaundice. The infection can be complicated by renal and other organ dysfunction. Infection in humans may follow direct or indirect exposure to an infected animal's urine or contaminated fresh water, the incubation period is usually 7-21 days. A comprehensive occupational and travel history is important to establish if the patient has been at risk of exposure.
Related condition or disease: 
Weil's disease, jaundice
Reference range: 

See reference laboratory report

Department: 
Infection Sciences Department
Location: 
St Thomas' Hospital
Sample type and Volume required: 
500 ul serum or 2.5 – 5ml Yellow Top Serum Separation Tube (SST) Clotted Blood (for serum).
Call in advance: 
Users are requested to complete the reference laboratory request form which can be obtained via our laboratory.
Turnaround time: 
14 days
Criteria for acceptance / rejections of sample
Storage and transport: 
Place labelled sample in a sealed sample bag and send to Central Specimen Reception (CSR). To prevent sample haemolysis please store samples in refrigerator if a delay in sending samples to CSR is unavoidable.
Contacts:
Infection Sciences Department at St Thomas' Hospital
020 7188 8008
St Thomas' Hospital
North Wing - 5th Floor
Westminster Bridge Road
London SE1 7EH
Core opening hours: Monday-Friday 0900-1730


For clinical advice or interpretation of results, please contact the laboratory in the first instance.
Laboratory: 
Virology Laboratory at St Thomas'

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Last updated: 24/11/2017