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HelpTest ID: BRUCB Brucella Culture, Blood
Reporting Name
Brucella Culture, BUseful For
Diagnosis of brucellosis in blood specimens
Clinical Information
Brucella species are facultative intracellular Gram-negative-staining bacilli capable of producing the disease "brucellosis" in humans. Human disease likely is acquired by contact with animals infected with the organism (Brucella abortus, B suis, B melitensis, and occasionally B canis) either by direct contact or by ingestion of meat or milk. The signs and symptoms associated with brucellosis may include fever, night sweats, chills, weakness, malaise, headache, and anorexia. The physical examination may reveal lymphadenopathy and hepatosplenomegaly. A definitive diagnosis of brucellosis is made by recovering the organism from blood, fluid (including urine), or tissue specimens.
Interpretation
Isolation of a Brucella species indicates infection
Cultures of blood and/or bone marrow are positive in 70% to 90% of acute Brucella infections, but much less so in subacute or chronic infections. In these latter instances, culture yield is highest from the specific tissue involved, or serology may be necessary to establish diagnosis.
Reflex Tests
| Test ID | Reporting Name | Available Separately | Always Performed |
|---|---|---|---|
| RMALD | Ident by MALDI-TOF mass spec | No, (Bill Only) | No |
| ISAE | Aerobe Ident by Sequencing | No, (Bill Only) | No |
Testing Algorithm
When this test is ordered, the reflex tests may be performed and charged.
Analytic Time
14 daysDay(s) and Time(s) Performed
Monday through Sunday
Clinical Reference
1. Mandell GL, Bennett JE, Dolin R: Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. Fourth edition. New York, Churchill Livingstone, 1995, pp 2053-2060
2. Procop GW, Church DL, Hall GS, et al: Chapter 9: Miscellaneous Fastidious Gram-Negative Bacilli. In Koneman's Color Atlas and Textbook of Diagnostic Microbiology. Seventh edition. Philadelphia, Wolters Kluwer, 2017, pp 472-595
Method Name
Conventional Culture Technique
Specimen Type
Whole Blood CultureAdvisory Information
Mayo Clinic Laboratories does not perform species identification of Brucella; these isolates should be submitted to the State Health Department laboratory.
Necessary Information
Specimen source is required.
Specimen Required
Container/Tube: Blood Isolator tube
Specimen Volume: Entire collection
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Whole Blood Culture | Ambient | 24 hours |
Reference Values
No growth after 14 days
Test Classification
This test has been cleared, approved or is exempt by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and is used per manufacturer's instructions. Performance characteristics were verified by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements.CPT Code Information
87081-Brucella Culture, Blood
87153-Aerobic Ident by Sequencing (if appropriate)
87077-Ident by MALDI-TOF mass spec (if appropriate)
LOINC Code Information
| Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| BRUCB | Brucella Culture, B | 551-2 |
| Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| BRUCB | Brucella Culture, B | 551-2 |
mml-CNS-Infections, mml-Pediatric