Brucella antibody test
Quick answer: These blood tests look for antibodies against Brucella, bacteria that spread from animals or unpasteurised milk. Doctors order them when you have a long or recurring fever, joint pain or sweats and possible contact with farm animals or raw milk.
- SampleBlood
- TakesAbout 5 minutes
- Before the testNo special preparation is usually needed.
How the test is done
- 1A nurse asks about contact with animals or raw milk
- 2A vein inside your elbow is cleaned
- 3A needle draws a tube of blood
- 4The lab tests for Brucella antibodies by agglutination or immunoassay
What your results can mean
Reading your report
A positive IgM usually suggests a recent or current infection and a positive IgG a past infection or immunity, but your doctor will read the result alongside your symptoms.
If the result is outside the usual range
A positive or rising antibody level can point to brucellosis, which causes long or recurring fever, sweats and joint or back pain. Low levels can remain after past exposure, especially in farm workers.
Who usually has this test
People with prolonged fever and joint pain who handle livestock, work in dairies or abattoirs, or drink unpasteurised milk.
Risks and aftercare
A small bruise is possible; boil milk at home to lower the risk of brucellosis.
Names and options
Also called: brucellosis test, brucella IgG, brucella IgM, brucella agglutination
Options
- IgG
- IgM
- Agglutination titre
Listed by the hospital as
- BRUCELLA IGG ANTIBODY
- BRUCELLA IGM ANTIBODY
- BRUCELLA AGGLUTINATION TITRE
Questions about this test
How do people catch brucellosis?
Mainly from drinking raw milk or eating unpasteurised dairy, or from handling infected animals and their tissues. Boiling milk lowers the risk.
Is a blood culture also needed for brucellosis?
A blood culture can grow the bacteria and confirm infection, but it can be slow. Doctors often use both antibody tests and cultures.
Can brucellosis affect pregnancy?
Brucellosis in pregnancy has been linked with miscarriage and preterm birth. Pregnant women with possible exposure and fever should see a doctor promptly.
Related tests
Tamara Hospital & IVF Centre, Rajajinagar
34/3, 10th Cross Road, opp. Vardhaka Sardar Patel School, 1st N Block, 2nd Stage, Rajajinagar, Bengaluru 560010
The hospital is open 24 hours. Call before you come to check the timing for your scan or sample collection.
Get directions ↗IVF Pulse fertility care at Tamara Hospital →
Reception
Waiting area
IVF lab
This page explains each test in general terms so you know what to expect. It is not medical advice: your doctor decides which tests you need and what your results mean. Reference ranges differ between laboratories. Updated 4 November 2026.