Mystic Aquarium

Mystic Aquarium offers diagnostic testing for both routine analysis and research projects.

Before submitting samples or for further information please contact:

Tracy Romano, PhD
Mystic Aquarium
55 Coogan Blvd.
Mystic CT 06355
Phone: 860-572-5955 ext 102
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

If unavailable, please contact:
Suzin Webb
Phone: 860-572-5955 ext 155
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Competitive ELISA

Procedure: This cELISA is based on a whole cell Brucella isolate from a harbor seal (Phoca vitulina) and tests for the presence of antibodies against marine Brucella. This test does not detect the presence of the bacteria, but the presence of antibodies to the bacteria. The presence of antibodies can indicate either previous exposure or a current active infection. All samples are screened at a 1:10 dilution and the percent of inhibition is measured.  For information regarding the development of this assay, please read Meegan et al. 2010.

Negative result: ≤ 24.9% inhibition
Suspect result: between 25-29.9% inhibition
Positive result: ≥ 30% inhibition

Samples accepted: serum; preferably 0.5 mL or more.

Sample storage: Label each sample with the date and the animal ID#. Freeze samples as soon as possible following collection. Store at -70°C (short-term storage at -20°C is acceptable).

Sample shipment: Overnight on ice, frozen ice packs, or dry ice.  Please  include the "Sample Submission Form" AND "Sample Submission Information Release Form" with your samples.  Notify contacts above via Email before shipping samples to confirm ship and receive dates.

Test days: The cELISA will be conducted the first week of every month and results should typically be avaliable by the second week of the month.  Samples need to arrive by the last day of the previous month to be included in the run.  Expedited processing at other times may be available for a surcharge.  Please inquire with the above listed contacts for more information.

Pricing:
1-4 samples: $200 flat rate (whether 1, 2, 3, or 4 samples are submitted)
5-14 samples: $50/sample
15-28 samples: $45/sample
29+ samples: $40/sample

All samples must be received by the last day of the previous month (i.e., by the assay run date) to recieve reduced batch pricing.

DISCLAIMER
This is a research-based test that is currently under development and validation. Therefore, the results of this assay should be interpreted with caution. Performance characteristics of this assay are yet to be determined under all conditions and clinical circumstances. Results should be interpreted in the context of each case. It is highly recommended that other diagnostic testing modalities, e.g. microbial culture, and where appropriate molecular methods and histopathologic examination, be used to complement the results of this testing. It is up to the discretion of each submitting facility to decide how to use the results of this test and to determine if further testing on specific animals is warranted.