Anthrax blood test
Anthrax Blood Test
The anthrax blood test is used to detect the presence of Anthrax (Bacillus anthracis) in the body when other tests, such as cultures, have failed to identify the presence of the deadly bacteria. It is a convenient, inexpensive, and reliable method to diagnose Anthrax infection quickly.
Preparation
Before the anthrax blood test, a thorough medical history of the patient should be taken by a physician. This will help in identifying the risk factors that may be linked to infection and proper treatment.
Procedure
The anthrax blood test is done by taking a blood sample from the patient. The sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis and detection of the presence of Anthrax antibodies.
Types of Tests
- Indirect ImmunoFluorescence Assay (IFA): This test is used to detect presence of antibodies produced by the immune system. It is a rapid and sensitive method to diagnose infection.
- Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA): This is a semi-quantitative test that measures the amount of antibodies present in the blood. It can also be used to differentiate between active and past infections.
- Polymerase chain reaction (PCR): This test is used to detect the presence of DNA of Anthrax bacteria in a sample. It is highly sensitive and provides quick results.
Risks
The anthrax blood test carries only a few risks, such as an adverse reaction to the antigens used in the test, an allergic reaction, or a minor infection at the site of the needle stick.
Why is Anthrax Blood Test Used?
The anthrax blood test is used to detect the presence of Anthrax in the body when other tests have failed to identify it. It is also used to differentiate between active and past infections.
When is Anthrax Blood Test Used?
The anthrax blood test is usually used when the patient has symptoms such as fever, fatigue, and skin lesions consistent with Anthrax infection. The test is then used to quickly identify the presence of the bacteria in the body.