Brucella Antibody IgM Blood Test

Sample Report Test Code: 164624 Specimen Type: Blood

Description:

Brucella Antibody IgM Blood Test (Labcorp)

This test screens for IgM antibodies to the Brucella bacteria.  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.  IgM antibodies typically develop shortly after infection and usually fade out after a couple of months.  The presence of IgM antibodies typically indicates an acute infection.  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.  

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 3-6 business days.

Where can I find a Brucella Antibody IgM test near me?

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