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Note: Result turn around times are an estimate and are not guaranteed. Our reference lab may need additional time due to weather, holidays, confirmation/repeat testing, or equipment maintenance.
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Test Code: 91068
Specimen Type: Blood
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Description:
This test is used to screen for antibodies to Brucella. Brucella, which causes the disease Brucellosis, is a bacteria that infects animals including dogs, livestock, and sealife. The most common way to contract brucellosis is by handling animals or milk products infected with brucella bacteria. Brucella most often affects farmers, veterinarians, hunters, and people who work in the meat or dairy industries. Cases of brucellosis are rare in the United States but more common in areas such as Latin America, the Middle East, and the Mediterranean. Symptoms of brucellosis may not develop until months after infection. When symptoms do occur, they often include weakness, fever, chills, headache, muscle and joint pain, loss of appetite, and sweating. If left untreated, brucellosis can damage the heart or nervous system. Brucellosis during pregnancy can cause severe complications including miscarriage.
This test looks for both IgM and IgG antibodies. IgM antibodies typically develop shortly after infection and usually fade out after a couple of months. Production of IgG antibodies usually begins shortly after the production of IgM antibodies. IgG antibody levels may decline after treatment but can remain detectable indefinitely. If this test detects IgM antibodies at a level greater than or equal to 1.10, a confirmatory Antibody Agglutination test will automatically be performed at no additional cost.
Testing for brucella is typically ordered for people who work with animals or have been in an area where the infection is prevalent. There are 3 main species of brucella, B Melitensis, B Suis, and B Abortus. This test can detect antibodies to all 3. Results for this test are qualitative and will report as either negative or positive.
Turnaround for this test is typically 3-11 business days.
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Note: Result turn around times are an estimate and are not guaranteed. Our reference lab may need additional time due to weather, holidays, confirmation/repeat testing, or equipment maintenance.
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