BRUCELLA MICROAGGLUTINATION TEST

Laboratory: Immunology/Virology; Biological Threat Emergency Response (BTER)

Test Description: This procedure is used for the detection and quantitation of total and Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies to Brucella sp.

Specimen Type: Serum

Collection Container: Red top or serum separator tubes

Optimal Volume: 2mL

Collection Guidelines: Paired acute and convalescent serum specimens obtained at least 14 days apart should be collected, placed in 2mL sterile tubes or screw-capped cryovials, and stored at less than or equal to -20 °C. Both samples can be shipped together. Specimens should be shipped cold or frozen.

Storage Container: Ship in original tube on cold packs or in cryovial frozen on dry ice.

Storage Instructions: Samples should be stored at -20 °C or colder, after testing indefinitely.

Transportation Instructions: Ship samples frozen on dry ice (-20°C or colder).

Test Methodology: Agglutination

Additional Information: Must have Virginia Department of Health (VDH) and Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services (DCLS) approval to perform test. Please note: We can test only an acute specimen to assist VDH with Brucellosis investigations.

Causes For Rejection:

• Hemolyzed specimens
• Hyperlipemic specimens
• Contaminated serum
• Specimen received out of the appropriate temperature range.

Possible Results: Presumptive evidence