Applications:

The Brucella Abortus Antigen Rapid Test Cassette (Whole Blood/Serum/Plasma) is a rapid chromatographic immunoassay for the qualitative detection of Brucella abortus antigen in human whole blood, serum or plasma specimen.

Description:

Brucella abortus is a gram-negative bacterium that is found in cattle populations . This intracellular parasite is a blood borne pathogen that causes premature abortion of a cattle fetus. What makes this bacterium so dangerous is that it is zoonotic, meaning it can be transferred from an animal to a human host and still remain pathogenic.

In humans this disease cause both acute and chronic symptoms, but can be treated with antibiotics. Because of this economic effect on the cattle business and the disease potential in humans, the US has spent close to $3.5 billion trying to vaccinate the cattle herds in the US. It is possible for B. abortus to be spread from wild populations of elk and bison into domestic cattle herds and this is why the US government continues to be vigilant in tracking potential cases within herds.

How to use?

Allow the test, specimen, buffer and/or controls to reach room temperature (15-30°C) prior to testing.

1. Remove the test cassette from the foil pouch and use it within one hour. Best results will be obtained if the test is performed immediately after opening the foil pouch.

2. Place the cassette on a clean and level surface.

For serum or plasma specimen:

· Use a disposal specimen dropper: Hold the dropper vertically, draw the specimen about 1cm above the Fill Line, and transfer 2 drops of serum or plasma (approximately 40µL) to the specimen well (S), then add 2 drops of buffer (approximately 120 ul) into the buffer well (B). See illustration below and start the timer.

· Use a micropipette: Transfer 40 ulof serum or plasma specimen to the specimen well (S), then add 2 drops of buffer (approximately 120 ul) into the buffer well (B). See illustration below and start the timer.

For whole blood specimen:

· Use a disposal specimen dropper: Hold the dropper vertically, draw the specimen about 1cm above the Fill Line, and transfer 1 drop of whole blood (approximately 20µL) to the specimen well (S), then add 2 drops of buffer (approximately 120 ul) into the buffer well (B). See illustration below and start the timer.

· Use a micropipette: Transfer 20 ul of whole blood to the specimen well (S), then add 2 drops of buffer (approximately 120 ul) into the buffer well (B). See illustration below and start the timer.

3. Wait for the colored line(s) to appear. Read results at 10 minutes. Do not interpret the result after 20 minutes.

INTERPRETATION OF RESULTS

(Please refer to the illustration above)

POSITIVE:* Two lines appear. One colored line should be in the control line region (C) and another apparent colored line should be in the test line region (T).

*NOTE: The intensity of the color in the test line region (T) will vary depending on the concentration of Brucella abortus antigen present in the specimen. Therefore, any shade of color in the test line region (T) should be considered positive.

NEGATIVE: One colored line appears in the control line region (C). No line appears in the test line region (T).

INVALID: Control line fails to appear. Insufficient specimen volume or incorrect procedural techniques are the most likely reasons for control line failure. Review the procedure and repeat the test with a new test. If the problem persists, discontinue using the test kit immediately and
contact your local distributor.

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