Brucella Reference Unit (BRU) Liverpool

Clinical Microbiology and HPA Collaborating Laboratory Brucella Reference Unit (BRU)
University Hospital Aintree
Lower Lane
Liverpool L9 7AL

Tel: 44 (0)151 529 4900

Please note that cultures suspected to be Brucella spp. should be sent to the VLA in Weybridge. Please telephone the laboratory first on 01932 357350

Dr M Rothburn, Dr R Cooke, Dr Sen

Reference Services:

Brucella serology - please use the request form
Brucella Request Form (PDF, 72 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.