Serology for tularemia

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Blood test

This blood test looks for antibodies against Francisella tularensis, the bacteria that causes the disease tularemia.

Tularemia test; Serology for Francisella tularensis

An antibody defends the body against bacteria, viruses, fungus, or other foreign body (antigen). Certain cells tell the body to produce antibodies during an active infection.

In the initial stage of an illness, few antibodies may be detected. Antibody production increases during the course of an infection. For this reason, such tests are often repeated several weeks after the first test is done.

This test specifically looks for the antibodies in the clear liquid portion of the blood, which is called the serum. (This technique is called serology.)

There is no special preparation.

When the needle is inserted to draw blood, you may feel moderate pain, or only a prick or stinging sensation. Afterward, there may be some throbbing.

This blood test may be performed when tularemia is suspected.

Review Date: 06/10/2005
Reviewed By: Eleftherios Mylonakis, M.D., Division of Infectious Disease, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.