Unfortunately, a significant number of ill and healthy carrier birds do not make measurable antibody. This is especially true with cockatiels, budgerigars, and young parrots. False positives have been reported in some serodiagnostics. Cell Culture Cell Culture methods are available from a few government labs. The procedure is technically difficult and expensive, with a long turnaround time.
Many samples perish on the way to the lab.
DNA Testing PCR technology is now available to specifically detect chlamydial DNA from clinical samples. While no long term studies have been published, the potential for increased sensitivity when testing discharges or organ samples is high. We have always relied on hematology for clinical diagnosis of active chlamydiosis. Cockatiel-relative or absolute monocytosis, white blood counts range from normal to 30,000. Budgerigar-often a relative monocytosis and basophilia.