Ordering Recommendation
Recommended serology test to detect recent infection from Brucella in the context of a clinically compatible illness and exposure history.
Mnemonic
Methodology
Semi-Quantitative Agglutination
Performed
Mon-Fri
Reported
2-4 days
New York DOH Approval Status
Specimen Required
Serum Separator Tube (SST).
Separate serum from cells ASAP or within 2 hours of collection. Transfer 1 mL serum to an ARUP Standard Transport Tube. (Min: 0.3 mL) Parallel testing is preferred and convalescent specimens must be received within 30 days from receipt of the acute specimens.
Refrigerated.
Contaminated, heat-inactivated, hemolyzed, or severely lipemic specimens.
Mark specimens plainly as "acute" or "convalescent."
After separation from cells: Ambient: 48 hours; Refrigerated: 2 weeks; Frozen: 6 months (avoid repeated freeze/thaw cycles)
Reference Interval
Less than 1:20 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 is considered diagnostic. A single serum titer of 1:80 or 1:160 is suggestive of brucellosis when accompanied by a compatible clinical course in a patient with a history of potential exposures.
Standard
Note
Hotline History
CPT Codes
86622
Components
Component Test Code* | Component Chart Name | LOINC |
---|---|---|
0050135 | Brucella Ab (Total) by Agglutination | 19053-8 |
Aliases
- Brucella Serology
- Brucella Total Antibody Agglutination, Serum
- Febrile Agglutinins