Serology for brucellosis
Key points
- This is an analysis of blood to detect the presence of antibodies against Brucella (the bacteria that causes the disease brucellosis).
- Blood is drawn from a vein on the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand.
- The preparation you can provide for this test depends on your child's age and experience.
- However, during the first few days to weeks of exposure to an antigen, there may be slight antibody production.
Alternative names
Brucella serology; Brucella antibody test or titer
Definition
This is an analysis of blood to detect the presence of antibodies against Brucella (the bacteria that causes the disease brucellosis).
How the test is performed
Blood is drawn from a vein on the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. The puncture site is cleaned with antiseptic, and an elastic band is placed around the upper arm to apply pressure and restrict blood flow through the vein. This causes veins below the band to fill with blood.
A needle is inserted into the vein, and the blood is collected in an air-tight vial or a syringe. During the procedure, the band is removed to restore circulation. Once the blood has been collected, the needle is removed, and the puncture site is covered to stop any bleeding.
For an infant or young child, the area is cleansed with antiseptic and punctured with a sharp needle or a lancet. The blood may be collected in a pipette (small glass tube), on a slide, onto a test strip, or into a small container. Cotton or a bandage may be applied to the puncture site if there is any continued bleeding.
The blood is then analyzed in a laboratory. Serology refers to the study of serum for its antibody content. Certain microorganisms stimulate the body to produce these antibodies during an active infection. In the laboratory, the antibodies react with antigens in specific ways that can be used to confirm the identity of the specific microorganism.
There are several serology techniques that can be used depending on the suspected antibodies. Serology techniques include agglutination, precipitation, complement-fixation, fluorescent antibodies, and others. For Brucella, the serum agglutination test (SAT) is the simplest and most widely used.
How to prepare for the test
There is no special preparation.
For infants and children:
The preparation you can provide for this test depends on your child's age and experience. For specific information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following topics:
- Infant test or procedure preparation (birth to 1 year)
- Toddler test or procedure preparation (1 to 3 years)
- Preschooler test or procedure preparation (3 to 6 years)
- Schoolage test or procedure preparation (6 to 12 years)
- Adolescent test or procedure preparation (12 to 18 years)
Written and revised by
Gerald Hurowitz, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
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