ARUP's Laboratory Test Directory

0050135: Brucella Antibody

Test Mnemonic: BRUC
Methodology: Bacterial Agglutination

Performed: Mon-Sat

Reported: 2-4 days

Specimen Required:  
Collect: One 4 mL SST.

Transport: 1 mL serum at 2-8°C. (Min: 0.5 mL) Submit specimen in an ARUP Standard Transport Tube.

Pediatric Collection/Transport: 0.2 mL serum at 2-8°C.

Remarks: Separate serum from cells ASAP. Acute and convalescent specimens must be labeled as such; parallel testing is preferred and convalescent specimens must be received within 30 days from receipt of the acute specimens. Please mark specimen plainly as "acute" or "convalescent."

Unacceptable Conditions: Severely lipemic, contaminated, hemolyzed, or heat-inactivated specimens.

Stability: After separation from cells: Ambient: 2 days; Refrigerated: 2 weeks; Frozen: 1 year (avoid repeated freeze/thaw cycles)

Reference Interval:
< 1:80 Negative

Interpretive Data:
Cross-reactions may occur between Brucella and F. tularensis antigens and antisera, therefore, parallel tests should be run with these antigens. A fourfold rise in titer greater than or equal to 1:160 is considered diagnostic. A single serum titer of 1:160 or 1:320 is suggestive of brucellosis when accompanied by a compatible clinical course in a patient with a history of potential exposures.



CPT Code(s):
86622