Brucella species culture

This test detects a bacteria called Brucella. It is used when brucella arthritis or an infection called brucellosis are suspected. A sample of blood, bone marrow, body fluid (including synovial fluid) or another tissue type may be collected for this test.

Laboratory tests may be done for many reasons. Tests are performed for routine health screenings or if a disease or toxicity is suspected. Lab tests may be used to determine if a medical condition is improving or worsening. Lab tests may also be used to measure the success or failure of a medication or treatment plan. Lab tests may be ordered for professional or legal reasons. You may need this test if you have:

• Brucella arthritis
• Brucellosis

Blood:

Before having blood collected, tell the person drawing your blood if you are allergic to latex. Tell the healthcare worker if you have a medical condition or are using a medication or supplement that causes excessive bleeding. Also tell the healthcare worker if you have felt nauseated, lightheaded, or have fainted while having blood drawn in the past.

Bone marrow:

A bone marrow biopsy is a procedure that requires written consent. Review the consent form with the healthcare worker and ask any questions that you have before signing the consent form.

Tell the healthcare worker if you have a medical condition or are using a medication or supplement that causes excessive bleeding. You should also report if you have a history of allergic or other reactions to local anesthetics. Inform the healthcare worker of any past or present bone diseases. You may need to have other tests done before a bone marrow biopsy.

To prepare for a bone marrow biopsy, you may be offered a mild sedative prior to the procedure to help you relax. To decrease pain, you will also receive a topical or local anesthetic injection at the biopsy site.

Synovial fluid:

An arthrocentesis is a procedure that requires written consent. Review the consent form with the healthcare worker and ask any questions that you have before signing the consent form.

Tell the healthcare worker if you have a medical condition or are using a medication or supplement that causes excessive bleeding. You should also report if you have a history of allergic or other reactions to local anesthetics. Blood tests may need to be done before an arthrocentesis.

Other body fluid or tissue sample:

A different sample other than the samples listed above may be used for this test. Ask your healthcare worker for information about how to prepare for this test. If you have questions or concerns about the preparation for this test, talk to the healthcare worker.

A sample of blood, bone marrow, synovial fluid, or another body fluid or tissue may be collected for this test.

Blood:

When a blood sample from a vein is needed, a vein in your arm is usually selected. A tourniquet (large rubber strap) may be secured above the vein. The skin over the vein will be cleaned, and a needle will be inserted. You will be asked to hold very still while your blood is collected. Blood will be collected into one or more tubes, and the tourniquet will be removed. When enough blood has been collected, the healthcare worker will take the needle out.

Bone marrow:

Bone marrow is the tissue inside certain bones where new blood cells are made. A bone marrow sample is collected by biopsy. Local anesthesia may be used for a bone marrow biopsy. Your skin will be shaved and cleaned, and a sterile area will be prepared for the procedure. A needle will be inserted through the skin and into the bone using a twisting motion. A sample of marrow will be removed with a syringe, and another needle will be used to remove a piece of tissue. When the samples are collected, the needle will be removed.

Synovial fluid:

Synovial fluid is the fluid around the joints. A synovial fluid sample is obtained by a procedure called an arthrocentesis. The skin over the joint will be cleaned, and a local anesthetic will be used to numb the tissue at the insertion site. A needle will be inserted into the space around the joint, and fluid collected into a syringe. After enough synovial fluid has been collected, the needle will be removed.

Other body fluid or tissue sample:

A different sample other than the samples listed above may be used for this test. Methods used to collect other body fluids or tissue samples may vary. Ask the healthcare worker to explain how this sample may be collected. If you have questions or concerns about this test, talk to the healthcare worker.

The amount of discomfort you feel will depend on many factors, including your sensitivity to pain. Communicate how you are feeling with the person doing the test. Inform the person doing the test if you feel that you cannot continue with the test.

Blood:

During a blood draw, you may feel mild discomfort at the location where the blood sample is being collected.

Bone marrow:

Before a bone marrow biopsy, you may receive medication to help you relax. When the numbing medicine is injected, you may feel mild discomfort or stinging. The local anesthetic is used to minimize pain, but as the procedure needle is inserted, you may feel some pressure and discomfort. You may feel brief pain as the bone marrow is removed. You may feel discomfort at the procedure site for several days.

Synovial fluid:

During an arthrocentesis, a local anesthetic is given to numb the procedure area. You may feel mild discomfort or stinging when the numbing medicine is injected. You may feel pressure or discomfort during the procedure. Brief pain may be felt as the needle passes through the joint membrane. Your procedure site may be sore for several days.

Other body fluid or tissue sample:

A different sample other than the samples listed above may be used for this test. This test may feel different depending on many factors, including the sample needed and how it is collected. Ask the healthcare worker what to expect during this test.

Blood:

After a blood sample is collected from your vein, a bandage, cotton ball, or gauze may be placed on the area where the needle was inserted. You may be asked to apply pressure to the area. Avoid strenuous exercise immediately after your blood draw. Contact your healthcare worker if you feel pain or see redness, swelling, or discharge from the puncture site.

Bone marrow:

After the sample of bone marrow is collected, pressure may be applied and a bandage will be placed over the biopsy site. You will be given instructions for when to remove the bandage, and the signs and symptoms of infection to watch for. Contact your healthcare worker if you experience a fever or increased pain, and if you see increasing redness, swelling, or pus at the procedure site.

Synovial fluid:

After an arthrocentesis is completed, pressure may be held to the site, and a bandage secured over the puncture site. If a large amount of fluid is removed, an elastic wrap may be used to support your joint. To treat swelling and pain, you may place cold packs over the joint. Avoid heavy use of the joint for a few days. If you have difficulty using the affected arm or leg after the procedure, contact your healthcare worker.

You will be given instructions for how to care for your bandage and the signs and symptoms of infection to watch for. Contact your healthcare worker if you have a fever or increased pain, and if you see increasing redness, swelling, or pus at the procedure site.

Other body fluid or tissue sample:

A different sample other than the samples listed above may be used for this test. Instructions for what to do after a collection of other body fluid or tissue samples may vary. Ask the healthcare worker to instruct you on what to expect after this test is completed. If you have questions or concerns about what to expect after the test is completed, talk to the healthcare worker.

You have the right to help plan your care. To help with this plan, you must learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. You can then discuss treatment options with your caregivers. Work with them to decide what care may be used to treat you. You always have the right to refuse treatment.