Brucella Antibodies (IgG, IgM), EIA with Reflex to Agglutination

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Also known as: Brucella Antibodies IgG IgM EIA with Reflex to Agglutination

Brucella IgG

Brucella IgM

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The Brucella Antibodies (IgG, IgM), EIA with Reflex to Agglutination test contains 1 test with 2 biomarkers.

Brief Description: The Brucella IgG IgM Antibodies EIA with Reflex to Agglutination test is a two-tiered diagnostic method designed to detect antibodies produced in response to Brucella bacteria. Initially, the enzyme immunoassay (EIA) is utilized to detect specific IgG and IgM antibodies against Brucella. If positive results are achieved, the test reflexes or proceeds to an agglutination assay for confirmation.

REFLEX: If Brucella IgM is ≥1.10, then Brucella Antibody, Agglutination will be performed at an additional charge of $99

Collection Method: Blood Draw

Specimen Type: Serum

Test Preparation: No preparation required

When and Why a Brucella IgG IgM Antibodies EIA with Reflex to Agglutination Test May Be Ordered

The test may be ordered:

  1. If a patient presents symptoms consistent with brucellosis, such as fever, joint pain, fatigue, and weight loss.
  2. When a person has been exposed to animals or products that are known to harbor Brucella bacteria.
  3. If there's a known outbreak or exposure to brucellosis in a specific community or region.
  4. For individuals in occupations at a higher risk of exposure, such as veterinarians, farmers, or laboratory workers.

What a Brucella IgG IgM Antibodies EIA with Reflex to Agglutination Test Checks For

The test detects specific IgG and IgM antibodies produced in response to Brucella bacteria. The EIA technique checks for the presence of these antibodies in the serum. If these antibodies are detected, the test proceeds to the agglutination assay, which determines the ability of the antibodies to cause clumping or agglutination of Brucella antigens.

Other Lab Tests Ordered Alongside a Brucella IgG IgM Antibodies EIA with Reflex to Agglutination Test

When a Brucella IgG IgM Antibodies test is ordered, it's often part of a broader evaluation of suspected brucellosis or similar infectious diseases. Here are some tests commonly ordered alongside it:

  1. Blood Cultures:

    • Purpose: To detect the presence of Brucella bacteria in the blood.
    • Why Is It Ordered: Blood cultures are the gold standard for diagnosing brucellosis, although the bacteria can be slow-growing and difficult to culture.

  2. Complete Blood Count (CBC) with Differential:

    • Purpose: To evaluate overall blood health.
    • Why Is It Ordered: To identify signs of infection or anemia, which can occur with brucellosis.

  3. C-Reactive Protein (CRP) or Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR):

    • Purpose: To measure markers of inflammation in the body.
    • Why Is It Ordered: To assess the level of inflammation, which can be elevated in infectious diseases like brucellosis.

  4. Liver Function Test:

    • Purpose: To assess liver health.
    • Why Is It Ordered: Brucellosis can affect the liver, causing abnormalities in liver function tests.

  5. Renal Function Test:

    • Purpose: To assess kidney function.
    • Why Is It Ordered: To ensure that the kidneys are functioning properly, as brucellosis can sometimes affect renal function.

  6. Tuberculosis (TB) Testing:

    • Purpose: To rule out TB, which can have similar symptoms to brucellosis.
    • Why Is It Ordered: To differentiate between these two infectious diseases, as their treatment and management differ significantly.

These tests, when ordered alongside a Brucella IgG IgM Antibodies with Reflex to Agglutination test, provide a comprehensive evaluation of a suspected Brucella infection and its systemic effects. They are crucial for confirming the diagnosis, assessing the extent of the disease, ruling out other conditions with similar presentations, and guiding appropriate treatment. The specific combination of tests will depend on the individual’s symptoms, clinical presentation, and risk factors for brucellosis.

Conditions or Diseases Requiring a Brucella IgG IgM Antibodies EIA with Reflex to Agglutination Test

The primary condition associated with this test is brucellosis, also known as Malta fever, Mediterranean fever, or undulant fever. Brucellosis is a bacterial infection caused by various Brucella species. The infection usually transmits to humans from animals.

How Health Care Providers Use the Results of a Brucella IgG IgM Antibodies EIA with Reflex to Agglutination Test

The results play several roles:

  • Diagnosis: A positive result, especially when confirmed by agglutination, typically indicates a current or recent infection with Brucella.
  • Treatment Guidance: By confirming the infection, healthcare providers can administer appropriate antibiotics specific to brucellosis.
  • Epidemiological Information: In the case of an outbreak, understanding who is infected can guide public health interventions.
  • Monitoring: For patients undergoing treatment, the test can be used to monitor the effectiveness of treatment and the progression of the disease.

To summarize, the Brucella IgG IgM Antibodies EIA with Reflex to Agglutination test is instrumental in diagnosing and managing brucellosis, ensuring timely treatment, and monitoring the progress of patients.

Most Common Questions About the Brucella Antibodies (IgG, IgM), EIA with Reflex to Agglutination test:

Purpose and Clinical Indications

What is the primary goal of the Brucella IgG IgM Antibodies EIA with Reflex to Agglutination test?

The primary goal of the Brucella IgG IgM Antibodies EIA with Reflex to Agglutination test is to detect the presence of IgG and IgM antibodies against Brucella in the blood. This helps in diagnosing brucellosis, an infectious disease caused by Brucella bacteria, which can be contracted from infected animals or animal products.

Why would a healthcare provider recommend the Brucella IgG IgM Antibodies EIA with Reflex to Agglutination test?

A healthcare provider would recommend the Brucella IgG IgM Antibodies EIA with Reflex to Agglutination test if a patient shows symptoms consistent with brucellosis or has a history of exposure to potential sources of Brucella. Symptoms might include fever, joint pain, and fatigue. The test assists in confirming or ruling out the disease, ensuring accurate treatment.

Interpretation of Results

What does a positive result from the Brucella IgG IgM Antibodies EIA with Reflex to Agglutination test indicate?

A positive result indicates that the patient has antibodies against Brucella in their blood, suggesting a current or past infection with the bacteria. The presence of IgM antibodies typically indicates a recent infection, while IgG antibodies suggest a past infection or exposure.

If the Brucella IgG IgM Antibodies EIA with Reflex to Agglutination test yields a negative result, does this conclusively rule out brucellosis?

A negative result suggests that there are no detectable antibodies against Brucella in the patient's blood. However, it doesn't conclusively rule out brucellosis, especially if the test was conducted shortly after exposure. It can take time for the body to produce detectable levels of antibodies. If suspicion remains high, the test might be repeated or complemented with other diagnostic measures.

Clinical Implications

How can results from the Brucella IgG IgM Antibodies EIA with Reflex to Agglutination test inform therapeutic decisions?

Results from the Brucella IgG IgM Antibodies EIA with Reflex to Agglutination test can guide healthcare providers in deciding whether or not to initiate treatment for brucellosis. If the test is positive, particularly for IgM antibodies, it may indicate an active infection that requires antibiotic therapy. On the other hand, a positive IgG without IgM might suggest past exposure, and the provider would consider the clinical picture to decide on the course of action.

What follow-up tests or procedures might be recommended after a positive Brucella IgG IgM Antibodies EIA with Reflex to Agglutination test?

After a positive Brucella IgG IgM Antibodies EIA with Reflex to Agglutination test, additional tests might be conducted to confirm the diagnosis, determine the severity of the disease, and check for complications. These can include blood cultures to isolate the bacteria, imaging tests to assess organ involvement, and other serological tests. If the EIA test is positive, the reflex to agglutination component of the test serves as a confirmation, which is particularly useful in areas where brucellosis is less common.

We advise having your results reviewed by a licensed medical healthcare professional for proper interpretation of your results.

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