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Complement fixation test for C burnetii

Q fever - complement fixation test; Coxiella burnetii - complement fixation test; C burnetii - complement fixation test

The complement fixation test for Coxiella burnetii (C burnetii) is a blood test that checks for infection due to bacteria called C burnetii, which causes Q fever.

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How the Test is Performed

A blood sample is needed.

The sample is sent to a lab. There, a method called complement fixation is used to check if the body has produced substances called antibodies to a specific foreign substance (antigen), in this case, C burnetii. Antibodies defend the body against bacteria, viruses, and fungi. If the antibodies are present, they stick, or fix themselves, to the antigen. This is why the test is called "fixation."

How to Prepare for the Test

No special preparation is necessary for this test.

How the Test Will Feel

When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain. Others feel only a prick or stinging. Afterward, there may be some throbbing or bruising. This soon goes away.

Why the Test is Performed

This test is done to detect Q fever.

Normal Results

Absence of antibodies to C burnetii is normal. It means you do not have Q fever now or in the past.

What Abnormal Results Mean

An abnormal result means you may have a current infection with C burnetii, or that you have been exposed to the bacteria in the past. People with past exposure may have antibodies, even if they are not aware that they were exposed. Further testing may be needed to distinguish between current, previous, and long-term (chronic) infection.

During the early stage of an illness, few antibodies may be detected. Antibody production increases during the course of an infection. For this reason, this test may be repeated several weeks after the first test.

Risks

There is little risk involved with having your blood taken. Veins and arteries vary in size from one person to another, and from one side of the body to the other. Taking blood from some people may be more difficult than from others.

Other risks associated with having blood drawn are slight, but may include:

• Excessive bleeding
• Fainting or feeling lightheaded
• Multiple punctures to locate veins
• Hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin)
• Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)

Related Information

References

Fournier P-E, Raoult D. Rickettsial infections. Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 302.

Olano JP, Walker DH. Rickettsiae and other related intracellular bacteria. In: McPherson RA, Pincus MR eds. Henry's Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods. 24th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022: chap 63.

Rovers CP, Kersh GJ. Coxiella burnetii (Q fever). In: Blaser MJ, Cohen JI, Holland SM, et al, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2026:chap 193.

Review Date: 5/12/2025  

Reviewed By: Jatin M. Vyas, MD, PhD, Roy and Diana Vagelos Professor in Medicine, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, New York, NY. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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