Brucella Reference Unit (BRU) Liverpool

Reference Services:
Brucella serology - please use the Brucella serology request form (PDF, 284 KB)

The interpretation of brucella serology results relies heavily on the clinical information provided with the request form. To simplify and standardize the reporting of clinical details, a specific brucella serology request form has been prepared. If the brucella serological screening tests are negative, then a result will be issued indicating a negative result. However, for positive serological results, the laboratory will not wish to send out a report without interpretive comments. We therefore hope that you will find the brucella request form helpful. Alternatively, you may wish to contact one of the consultant medical microbiologists to discuss the case.

The laboratory uses a range of commercial CE-marked and both in-house assays to detect both total IgG, IgM and specific IgG and IgM brucella antibodies. All sera are screened using a CE marked total brucella antibody assay and specific IgG/IgM enzyme immunoassays. Screen positive samples undergo further testing with in-house micro-agglutination and complement fixation in-house assays.

If serological results suggest acute brucellosis, the referring laboratory will always be contacted to discuss both clinical management and risk assessment if isolates have been identified from culture.

• Brucella Reference Unit FAQs (PDF, 90 KB) 
• Brucella Reference Unit Procedures for managing laboratory exposure.pdf (PDF, 93 KB)
• General information on brucellosis (link to webpage which includes other information about the BRU)