What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're experiencing fever, joint pain, fatigue, or sweats after possible contact with infected animals, unpasteurized dairy, or undercooked meat. It's also useful if you work in farming, veterinary care, meat processing, or a lab where Brucella exposure is more common. The test checks whether your body has produced antibodies in response to this bacteria, which can indicate a current or past infection.

What's included in this test?

This test measures both IgG and IgM antibodies against Brucella bacteria using an EIA method, with an automatic reflex to an agglutination test if initial results need confirmation. IgM antibodies typically show up first and suggest a more recent infection, while IgG antibodies tend to appear later and can indicate a past or ongoing exposure. Looking at both types together gives a clearer picture of when exposure may have occurred.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will show up in your account with each antibody value explained alongside its normal range, so you can see exactly where you stand. If your IgM or IgG antibodies come back elevated, the report will explain what that means and whether the reflex agglutination test was triggered for confirmation. You can download a standard lab report for your records at any time, and if you get tested again down the road, the trends feature lets you compare results over time. If a result suggests an active infection with concerning symptoms like high fever or severe joint pain, seek medical care promptly.

How can I naturally support my immune system during recovery?

Getting enough sleep, staying hydrated, and eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean protein all help your immune system function well. Reducing stress through light exercise or relaxation techniques can also support your body's natural defenses. Avoiding unpasteurized dairy products and thoroughly cooking meat going forward can help prevent re-exposure to Brucella bacteria.

When will I get my results?

Results are typically ready within about 7 days of your lab visit. If your initial screening triggers the reflex agglutination test, this may add a little extra time since it's an additional confirmatory step. You'll be notified as soon as your results are available in your account.

Who should consider this test?

People who work closely with livestock, veterinarians, farmers, slaughterhouse and meat-processing workers, and lab personnel handling Brucella cultures should consider this test if they develop unexplained fever or fatigue. It's also worth considering if you've recently traveled to regions where Brucella is more common or consumed unpasteurized dairy products. Anyone with ongoing flu-like symptoms that don't have a clear explanation may also benefit from testing.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Common symptoms include recurring or wave-like fevers, night sweats, joint and muscle pain, fatigue, and loss of appetite. Some people also experience headaches or an enlarged spleen or liver. Because these symptoms overlap with many other illnesses, testing helps confirm whether Brucella exposure is the cause.

What does a high antibody result mean?

A high IgM result usually suggests a recent infection, while a high IgG result can mean either a more established or past infection. The reflex agglutination test helps confirm these findings when the initial screen is elevated. If your results are high, the report will explain the specific pattern and what it typically indicates.

What causes a positive Brucella antibody result?

A positive result usually comes from direct contact with infected animals, their tissues, or bodily fluids, or from consuming unpasteurized milk or cheese from infected animals. Occupational exposure in farming, veterinary work, or laboratory settings is one of the most common causes. In some cases, inhaling airborne bacteria in barns or processing facilities can also lead to exposure.

How often should I retest?

If you've been treated for a confirmed Brucella infection, retesting a few months later can help confirm your antibody levels are trending down. If you work in a high-exposure occupation, periodic testing (such as annually) can help catch new exposures early. Otherwise, retesting is mainly recommended if new symptoms develop.

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short: In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy! If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

How do I know which test to get?

In the test options, find the test you want. If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option. Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

When will my lab results be available?

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know. After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop! If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you. Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you. There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out. Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Do you accept health insurance?

Only HSA & FSA is accepted. Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts. This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Can I cancel my order?

Yes. We get it – sometimes your needs change. As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order. If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com. You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

How can I find a lab location near me?

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp). Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Brucella Antibody Test - IgG & IgM Exposure Screen

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

754-799-7833

[email protected]