Laboratory Blood Test: What It Is and Why Your Doctor May Order It
This test detects IgM antibodies against Brucella canis bacteria in the blood to help diagnose early infection.
{"Detects IgM antibodies produced in early Brucella canis infection","Blood sample is collected from a vein","IgM antibodies typically appear 1-2 weeks after exposure","Helps diagnose canine brucellosis in humans","May require follow-up testing for confirmation"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 110793-7
- Short code
- BRUCANM
- Synonyms
- B canis IgM Msmt Ser
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST) or red-top vacutainer tube
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0.8
- Ref high
- 1
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA)
- CPT
- 86622
- SNOMED
- 108701000119101
- Specimen volume
- 1.0 mL serum (minimum 0.5 mL)
- Stability
- Room temperature: 8 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days; Frozen (-20°C or below): 30 days. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Hemolysis max
- 100
- Lipemia max
- 100
- Icterus max
- 50
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test? This is a laboratory test performed on a small sample of your blood. It helps your doctor evaluate your overall health, screen for certain medical conditions, or monitor a known health problem over time.
The Brucella canis IgM Antibody test is a blood test that detects IgM antibodies against Brucella canis, a bacteria that can be transmitted from dogs to humans. IgM antibodies are the first type of antibodies your body produces when fighting a new infection, making this test particularly useful for detecting early-stage infections.
Why do I need this test? Your doctor may order this test as part of a routine checkup, to investigate symptoms such as fatigue, fever, or unexplained weight changes, or to see how well a current treatment is working for you.
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms of brucellosis and have been exposed to infected dogs, especially breeding dogs or dogs from shelters. Common symptoms include fever, fatigue, joint pain, and swollen lymph nodes. This test helps determine if your symptoms are caused by a Brucella canis infection.
How is the test performed? A trained professional will draw a small amount of blood, usually from a vein in your arm. The skin is cleaned, a thin needle collects the sample into a tube, and a small bandage is placed on the site. The procedure usually takes only a few minutes.
A healthcare professional will draw a small blood sample from a vein in your arm. The sample is then sent to a laboratory where it is tested for the presence of IgM antibodies against Brucella canis. The procedure is quick and generally well-tolerated, though you may experience minor bruising at the injection site.
What do the results mean? Your results show whether your values fall within the normal reference range. Abnormal results do not always indicate a serious condition, since medications, diet, hydration, and recent illness can affect them. Your doctor will review the results with you and recommend any follow-up testing or treatment if needed.
A positive result indicates that IgM antibodies against Brucella canis have been detected in your blood, suggesting a recent or active infection. A negative result means no IgM antibodies were detected, which could indicate no infection, very early infection (before antibodies develop), or a past infection. Your healthcare provider will interpret these results in combination with your symptoms and may recommend additional testing.
Reference range
Negative: <0.8; Equivocal: 0.8-1.0; Positive: >1.0 (index value)N/A
No special patient preparation required. Fasting is not necessary.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Brucella canis is a zoonotic bacterium primarily affecting dogs, particularly breeding animals. Humans can become infected through contact with contaminated bodily fluids, especially during dog breeding, veterinary work, or exposure to infected animals. The IgM antibody test is crucial for early detection because IgM antibodies appear first during infection (typically 1-2 weeks after exposure). Early diagnosis is important for timely treatment with antibiotics, as untreated brucellosis can lead to chronic infections and complications affecting the joints, heart, and other organs.
Frequently asked questions
How is Brucella canis infection spread to humans?
What are the symptoms of Brucella canis infection in humans?
Is the test painful?
Do I need to fast before this test?
How long does it take to get results?
Sources
- 1CDC - BrucellosisSource
- 2
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 15, 2026. · Read our editorial policy