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Table. Interpreting serological and skin test results before Q fever vaccination

Serology Skin test Interpretation and action

Positive antibody test (according to diagnostic laboratory criteria):

  • complement fixation (CF) antibody–positive, or
  • immunofluorescent antibody (IFA)–positive, or
  • enzyme immunoassay (EIA)–positive
 Any skin test result Sensitised: do not vaccinate

Equivocal antibody test (according to diagnostic laboratory criteria):

  • CF antibody equivocal, or
  • IFA equivocal, or
  • EIA equivocal
 Positive (induration) Sensitised: do not vaccinate
Borderline (induration just palpable) or negative (no induration) Indeterminate (see Managing people with indeterminate test results)

Negative antibody test (according to diagnostic laboratory criteria):

  • CF antibody–negative, or
  • IFA-negative, or
  • EIA-negative
 Positive Sensitised: do not vaccinate
Borderline Indeterminate (see Managing people with indeterminate test results)
Negative Non-immune: vaccinate
Source: Modified from Marmion1
Related diseases
Q fever

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