Tularemia blood test

What is Tularemia?

Tularemia is a disease caused by the bacterium Francisella tularensis. It is found in wild animals such as rabbits, hares, muskrats, and beavers. People can get the disease by handling infected animal tissue, breathing in contaminated dust, or being bitten by flies or ticks.

What is Tularemia Blood Test?

A tularemia blood test is used to detect the presence of antibodies to the bacteria that cause tularemia. Antibodies are proteins that are made by your body in response to an infection. A tularemia blood test can tell if you have been exposed to the organism, which can help diagnose tularemia and determine how recently you were infected.

Preparation for Tularemia Blood Test

No special preparation is required for a tularemia blood test.

What is the Procedure for Tularemia Blood Test?

A health care provider will take a sample of your blood by inserting a needle into a vein in your arm. The sample will then be sent to a lab, where it will be tested for antibodies to the tularemia bacteria.

Types of Tularemia Blood Tests

The most common type of tularemia blood test is an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). This can detect the presence of tularemia antibodies in your blood. Other tests, such as a Western blot test, may be used if the ELISA test is not conclusive.

Risks and Side Effects of Tularemia Blood Test

A tularemia blood test is considered a safe procedure with minimal risk or side effects. Some people may experience slight discomfort at the site of the needle puncture.

Why is a Tularemia Blood Test Needed?

A tularemia blood test is used to detect the presence of antibodies to the bacteria that cause tularemia. This can tell if you have been exposed to the organism, which can help diagnose tularemia and determine how recently you were infected.

When is a Tularemia Blood Test Needed?

Your health care provider may order a tularemia blood test if you have symptoms of tularemia, such as a high fever, swollen lymph nodes, and muscle aches, or if you have been in an area where the bacteria is known to be present.