Ricktyphusiggmsmtser
A blood test that detects IgG antibodies against typhus group Rickettsia bacteria to help diagnose current or past infection.
{"This test checks for IgG antibodies to typhus-causing bacteria in your blood","It helps doctors diagnose epidemic or murine typhus infections","A blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm","IgG antibodies usually appear 7-10 days after infection and can last long-term","Results help confirm if you have or had a rickettsial infection"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 110692-1
- Short code
- RICK-IgG
- Synonyms
- Rick Typhus IgG Msmt Ser
- Category
- cardiac
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum Separator Tube (SST) or plain red top tube
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 64
- Ref high
- 128
- Critical range
- — – 10000 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 0–120 years
- Method
- Indirect Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA) or Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA)
- CPT
- 86757
- SNOMED
- 122442004
- Specimen volume
- 1.0-2.0 mL of serum
- Stability
- Room temperature: 24 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days; Frozen (-20°C or below): 30 days
- Hemolysis max
- 50
- Lipemia max
- 300
- Icterus max
- 20
- TAT
- 48–120 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The Rickettsia Typhus Group IgG Antibody test is a blood test that detects IgG antibodies in your serum (the clear liquid part of your blood) that your immune system produces in response to infection with typhus group Rickricksia bacteria. This group includes Rickettsia prowazekii (causing epidemic typhus) and Rickettsia typhi (causing murine or endemic typhus).
Why might I need this test?
Your doctor may order this test if you have symptoms of typhus fever, such as high fever, severe headache, rash, or muscle pain, especially if you have recently been exposed to areas where typhus is common or have been bitten by insects like lice, fleas, or ticks. The test helps confirm whether your symptoms are caused by a rickettsial infection.
How is the test performed?
A healthcare professional will draw a small blood sample from a vein in your arm using a needle. The blood is collected in a tube and sent to a laboratory for analysis. The test measures the level of IgG antibodies in your serum. No special preparation is typically needed, but follow your doctor's instructions.
What do the results mean?
Results are reported as positive or negative for Rickettsia typhus group IgG antibodies. A positive result indicates that you have or have had a typhus group rickettsial infection. A negative result may mean you do not have an infection, or it may be too early in the infection for antibodies to be detected. Your doctor will interpret your results along with your symptoms and medical history.
Are there any risks?
The risks associated with this test are minimal and include slight pain, bruising, or bleeding at the injection site. Some people may feel dizzy or lightheaded during or after the blood draw. These side effects usually resolve quickly.
Reference range
Negative: <1:64 titer; Equivocal: 1:64 titer; Positive: >=1:128 titerN/A
No special preparation required. Fasting is not necessary. Inform the laboratory of any recent infections, travel history, or exposure to areas endemic for typhus fever.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get results?
Do I need to fast before this test?
Can this test diagnose both epidemic and murine typhus?
What happens if my test is positive?
Can I have this test if I am pregnant?
Sources
- 1
- 2
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy