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Serology for tularemia |
| Definition: |
| This test involves an analysis of the blood to detect the presence of antibodies against Franciscella tularensis (the microorganism that causes the disease tularemia).
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| Alternative Names: |
| Tularemia test; Serology for Franciscella tularensis |
| How the test is performed: |
Blood is drawn from a vein (venipuncture), usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. The puncture site is cleaned with antiseptic, and a tourniquet (an elastic band) or blood pressure cuff is placed around the upper arm to apply pressure and restrict blood flow through the vein. This causes veins below the tourniquet to distend (fill with blood). A needle is inserted into the vein, and the blood is collected in an airtight vial or a syringe. During the procedure, the tourniquet is removed to restore circulation. Once the blood has been collected, the needle is removed, and the puncture site is covered to stop any bleeding. Infant or young child: There are several serology techniques that can be used depending on the suspected antibodies. Serology techniques include agglutination, precipitation, complement-fixation, and fluorescent antibodies. |
| How to prepare for the test: |
| Adults: There is no special preparation. Infants and children: The physical and psychological preparation you can provide for this or any test or procedure depends on your child's age, interests, previous experiences, and level of trust. For specific information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following topics as they correspond to your child's age:
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| How the test will feel: |
| When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain, while others feel only a prick or stinging sensation. Afterward, there may be some throbbing. |
| Why the test is performed: |
| Serology may be performed when tularemia is suspected. (A blood culture may also be used to identify tularemia.)
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| Normal Values: |
| No antibodies are detected. However, during the first few days to weeks of exposure to an antigen, there may be slight antibody production. As the disease progresses, more antibodies will be present. If a disease is suspected, the test may need to be repeated several weeks after the first test. |
| What abnormal results mean: |
| If antibodies are detected, there has been exposure to Franciscella tularensis (possible tularemia).
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| What the risks are: |
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| Special considerations: |
| A serology test can determine if a patient has ever been exposed to a particular antigen, but this does not necessarily indicate a current infection. Increasing antibody levels are more likely to indicate a current infection. Veins and arteries vary in size from one patient to another and from one side of the body to the other. Obtaining a blood sample from some people may be more difficult than from others. |
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