Brucella IgG Antibody Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About Brucella IgG Antibody Test
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Brucella Antibody IgG, Brucella IgG Serology, Brucella Agglutination Titre, Brucellosis Antibody Detection |
| Sample Type | Serum (venous blood) |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 3 days |
| Recommended For | All ages; particularly those with occupational or dietary exposure to animals |
| Price | Starting at ₹1,200 |
What Is a Brucella IgG Antibody Test?
The Brucella IgG Antibody Test is a blood test that detects IgG antibodies produced by the immune system in response to infection with the Brucella bacteria. It is used to help diagnose brucellosis, a bacterial illness often linked to contact with infected animals or consumption of unpasteurised dairy products. A serum sample is drawn from a vein in your arm and tested in a laboratory. The test is also known as Brucella Antibody IgG or Brucella IgG Serology.
What Does a Brucella IgG Antibody Test Measure?
The test measures the level of IgG-class antibodies directed against Brucella bacteria in your blood serum. IgG antibodies are immune proteins that the body produces as part of its defence against infection. Unlike IgM antibodies, which appear in the first week of illness, IgG antibodies typically become detectable from the second week onwards and reach peak levels around six to eight weeks after infection.
The table below outlines what the test assesses:
| Component | What It Indicates |
|---|---|
| Brucella IgG Antibodies | Exposure to Brucella bacteria, past or current infection, or risk of relapse |
Why Is a Brucella IgG Antibody Test Done?
Doctors order this test when a patient's symptoms or background suggest possible exposure to Brucella bacteria. It helps confirm or rule out brucellosis and assess whether infection may be ongoing.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
The following symptoms are among the most common reasons a doctor may recommend a Brucella IgG antibody test:
- Persistent or intermittent fever
- Excessive fatigue
- Joint pain (arthralgia)
- Muscle aches (myalgia)
- Night sweats
- Headache
- General feeling of illness (malaise)
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The test can help identify or assess the following conditions:
- Brucellosis caused by species such as Brucella abortus, Brucella melitensis, or Brucella suis
- Active versus inactive brucellosis, especially in patients with symptoms lasting three weeks or more
- Possible relapse or progression to chronic focal disease, indicated by persistently high IgG levels
How to Prepare and What to Expect
No special preparation is required for this test. The steps below explain what to expect on the day of your appointment.
Do You Need to Fast?
No, fasting is not required. You can eat and drink as normal before your sample is collected. If you have other tests ordered alongside this one, check with your doctor in case those require fasting.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Keep the following points in mind before your appointment:
- Bring a detailed clinical history, including your symptoms, previous test results, and any history of animal contact or travel. This is required for the test.
- Inform your doctor about all medications, supplements, and existing health conditions, as these may affect results.
- Let your healthcare provider know about any history of exposure to livestock, farm animals, or unpasteurised dairy products.
- Drink adequate water before your appointment to make the blood draw easier.
Step-by-Step Procedure
Here is what happens during a standard blood sample collection for this test:
- A trained phlebotomist will ask you to sit comfortably and extend your arm.
- They will clean the area on your inner arm with an antiseptic and wrap a tourniquet around your upper arm to make the vein more visible.
- A needle is gently inserted into the vein and a small blood sample of around 3 ml is drawn into a gel tube.
- Once the sample is collected, the needle is removed, light pressure is applied to the site, and a small bandage is placed over it.
- The sample is labelled and stored under refrigeration (2 to 8°C) for safe transport to the laboratory.
- In the lab, the serum is tested using an enzyme immunoassay (EIA) method. The sample is exposed to Brucella antigens; if IgG antibodies are present, they bind to these antigens and trigger a measurable reaction.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several factors may influence the reliability of your results:
- Testing too soon after exposure, as IgG antibodies may not appear until one to two weeks after symptoms begin.
- Presence of rheumatoid factor, which can interfere with antibody detection.
- Certain medications or underlying conditions.
- Cross-reactivity with related bacterial species (note: Brucella canis may not be detected by this method).
- ELISA-positive results that are not confirmed by agglutination testing may represent false positives.
Understanding Your Brucella IgG Antibody Test Results
Your results will be reported as negative, equivocal, or positive based on an index value. Always review your results with your doctor, who will consider your symptoms, medical history, and other relevant tests.
| Result | Index Value (PANBIO Units) | General Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| Negative | Less than 9 | No detectable IgG antibodies; no confirmed exposure |
| Equivocal | 9 to 11 | Borderline; repeat testing may be advised |
| Positive | Greater than 11 | IgG antibodies detected; exposure to Brucella confirmed |
These ranges are general guidelines. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your age, health history, and other factors. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised medical advice.
Results During Special Conditions
Certain factors can affect how results are interpreted:
- Rheumatoid factor in the blood can cause false-positive readings in some antibody tests.
- IgG antibodies can persist long after an infection has resolved, so a positive result does not always mean an active infection is present. Confirmation through Brucella-specific agglutination testing is recommended for positive ELISA results.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
These general hygiene and dietary habits can reduce the risk of Brucella exposure:
- Avoid consuming unpasteurised (raw) milk, cheese, or other dairy products.
- If you work with animals, wear appropriate protective clothing and practise regular hand hygiene.
- Ensure that meat and animal products are thoroughly cooked before eating.
Lupin Diagnostics Brucella IgG Antibody Test Price and Home Collection
The Brucella IgG antibody test at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹1,200, and home sample collection is available across multiple cities. The approximate city-wise prices are listed below.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 1200 |
| CHENNAI | 1200 |
| HYDERABAD | 1200 |
| KOLKATA | 1200 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 1200 |
| PUNE | 380 |
Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
Follow these steps to book your Brucella IgG antibody test online:
- Select the test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred time slot.
- Opt for home sample collection by a certified phlebotomist, or visit your nearest Lupin Diagnostics centre.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Home Collection
Brucella IgG antibody test home collection is available across cities, allowing a trained phlebotomist to visit your location at a convenient time. All samples are processed in NABL-accredited laboratories. Your digital report is delivered within 3 days of sample collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Brucella IgG antibody test detects IgG antibodies against Brucella bacteria in the blood. It is used to help diagnose brucellosis, a bacterial infection linked to animal exposure or unpasteurised food, and to assess whether infection may be ongoing or has occurred in the past.
Not necessarily. A positive result means your body has been exposed to Brucella bacteria at some point. IgG antibodies can remain in the blood long after an infection has cleared. Your doctor will consider your symptoms and may order additional tests to confirm whether infection is currently active.
IgM antibodies appear in the first week of infection, making the IgM test more useful for detecting recent illness. IgG antibodies develop from the second week onwards and persist longer. The Brucella IgG antibody test is therefore more useful for detecting past exposure, chronic infection, or possible relapse.
People at higher risk include farmers, veterinarians, slaughterhouse workers, and those who regularly handle livestock or poultry. Anyone who consumes unpasteurised dairy products or owns a pet that has not been vaccinated against brucellosis may also benefit from testing if symptoms are present.
IgG antibodies may not appear in detectable amounts until one to two weeks after symptoms begin. If a test is done very early and returns negative but infection is still suspected, your doctor may recommend repeating the test after 14 to 21 days.
A Brucella infection during pregnancy may increase the risk of miscarriage, preterm delivery, and transmission of the infection to the baby. If you are pregnant and have symptoms or a history of animal exposure, speak with your doctor about whether testing is appropriate for your situation.
The procedure involves a routine blood draw, which causes minimal discomfort for most people. You may feel a brief sting when the needle is inserted. The entire process typically takes just a few minutes, and normal activities can be resumed immediately after.
Brucella IgG Antibody Test
