How does one test for rocky mountain spotted fever?

Blood tests: Rocky mountain spotted fever (RMSF) is a rickettsia (type of bacteria) infection transmitted by a tick bite (usually feeding > several hrs). Symptoms start in 1 week (2-14d range). Treatment is with doxycycline, which is started if RMSF is suspected. Lab tests can confirm the disease later, after treatment has begun.

RMSF: The diagnosis is usually made based on clinical symptoms/signs (to include classic rash) & epidemiology - tick exposure. Usually antibiotics are started presumptively and lab results provide confirmation after the fact. Some tests: Indirect immunofluorescence assays (IFA) of IgM & IgG antibodies, enzyme linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) & dot immunoassays. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) .