Brucella – Serology

Conformément au Règlement de l’Ontario 671/92 de la Loi sur les services en français, les renseignements d’analyses de laboratoire liés à la présente page ne sont offerts qu’en anglais parce qu’ils sont de nature scientifique ou technique et destinés uniquement à l’usage des fournisseurs de soins de santé qualifiés et non aux membres du public.

Specimen Collection and Handling

Specimen Requirements

Test Requested Required Requisition(s) Specimen Type Minimum Volume Collection Kit

Brucella serology

Whole blood or serum

5.0 ml blood or 1.0 ml serum

Vacutainer tubes (SST)

Submission and Collection Notes

1

Indicate the following on the General Test Requisition Form if diagnostic testing is requested:

  • Clinical symptoms 
  • Exposure (e.g. consumption of unpasteurized dairy products)
  • Travel history
  • Onset date

Timing of Specimen Collection

An acute (collected early after the onset of symptoms) and a convalescent (collected 2-3 weeks later) may be required for laboratory diagnosis.

Limitations

Haemolysed, icteric, lipemic or microbially contaminated sera or plasma are not recommended for testing.

Storage and Transport

Label the specimen container with the patient’s full name, date of collection and one other unique identifier such as the patient’s date of birth or Health Card Number. Failure to provide this information may result in rejection or testing delay.

Special Instructions

Centrifuge if using SST. Label specimens with at least two identifiers; place it in biohazard bag and seal. Specimens should be stored at 2-8°C following collection and shipped to PHOL on ice packs.

Requisitions and Kit Ordering

Test Frequency and Turnaround Time (TAT)

Brucella serology testing is performed once per week. 

Turnaround time is up to 10 days from receipt by PHO Laboratory.

Test Methods

Brucella serology testing is performed using Serum Tube Agglutination (STA) assay.

Reporting

Results are reported to the ordering physician or health care provider as indicated on the requisition.

Specimens that are positive for Brucellosis are reported to the Medical Officer of Health as per Health Protection and Promotion Act.

Mis à jour le 20 juill. 2020