Brucella Antibody Screen, IgM and IgG, ELISA, Serum
Use
The Brucella Antibody Screen, IgM and IgG, ELISA, is useful for evaluating patients with suspected brucellosis. Brucellosis is a systemic bacterial infection caused by gram-negative coccobacilli of the genus Brucella, transmitted through contact with infected animals or unpasteurized dairy products. This test aids in the detection of high or rising titers of specific antibodies, predominantly IgM and IgG, which can indicate recent infection. Serology remains sensitive for diagnosing brucellosis even when culture is not possible.
Special Instructions
This test requires specific specimen handling: centrifuge and aliquot serum into a sterile, plastic vial. If not ordering electronically, the Infectious Disease Serology Test Request form (T916) must be completed and sent with the specimen.
Limitations
The test uses antigens derived from the Brucella abortus strain W99 and shows significant cross-reactivity with other Brucella species except for Brucella canis. Therefore, it doesn't differentiate infection at the species level. Positive results should be confirmed by an agglutination assay, and care must be taken when interpreting results from vaccinated individuals or those exposed to strain RB51, as routine serology tests do not detect antibodies against this strain.
New York Approved
Methodology
Immunoassay (ELISA)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 91140-4
- 24388-1
- 24387-3
- 66485-4
Result Turnaround Time
1-5 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
1 mL
Minimum Volume
0.4 mL
Container
Preferred: Serum gel; Acceptable: Red top; Submission: Sterile vial
Collection Instructions
Centrifuge and aliquot serum into a sterile, plastic vial.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerated (preferred) for up to 14 days or Frozen for 14 days.
Causes for Rejection
Gross hemolysis, gross lipemia, heat-inactivated specimen
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Refrigerated | 14 days |
| Frozen | 14 days |