Serology for brucellosis is a blood test to look for the presence of antibodies against brucella. These are the bacteria that cause the disease brucellosis.
A blood sample is needed.
There is no special preparation.
When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain. Others feel only a prick or stinging. Afterward, there may be some throbbing or a slight bruise. This soon goes away.
Brucellosis is an infection that occurs from coming into contact with animals that carry brucella bacteria.
Your health care provider may order this test if you have signs or symptoms of brucellosis. People who often come in contact with animals or meat are most likely to get this disease. This includes:
Slaughterhouse workers
Farmers
Veterinarians
A normal (negative) result usually means you have not come in contact with the bacteria that causes brucellosis. However, this test may not detect the disease at an early stage. Your provider may have you come back for another test in 10 days to 3 weeks.
Infection with other bacteria, such as
Yersinia spp.
,
Francisella spp.
, and
Vibrio spp.
, and certain immunizations can cause false-positive results.
Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Some labs use different measurements or test different samples. Talk to your provider about the meaning of your specific test results.
An abnormal (positive) result usually means you have come in contact with the bacteria that causes brucellosis or a closely related bacteria.
However, this positive result does not mean that you have an active infection. Your provider will have you repeat the test after a few weeks to see if the test result increases. This increase is more likely to be a sign of a current infection.
Prefer to talk to someone first? Contact us to book.
