Chikungunya IgM, Antibody, Serum
Use
Aiding in the diagnosis of recent infection with Chikungunya virus by detecting IgM antibodies in patients with recent travel to endemic areas and a compatible clinical syndrome. Chikungunya virus is a single-stranded RNA alphavirus endemic throughout Africa, India, and the Caribbean islands. Individuals exposed to ChikV often present with high fever, incapacitating joint pain, and rash. This test assists in evaluating recent exposures and infections, complementing clinical observations and patient history.
Special Instructions
This test is only orderable as part of a profile and is performed using an Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA).
Limitations
Specimens collected too early following infection may be negative for antibodies. Testing of convalescent serum is recommended. Chikungunya and Dengue viruses co-circulate, so infections may have overlapping symptoms. Evaluate patients for both viruses. IgM antibodies may remain detectable for 3 to 4 months after infection.
New York Approved
Methodology
Immunoassay (ELISA)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 88629-1
- 88629-1
Result Turnaround Time
1-14 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
0.5 mL
Minimum Volume
0.4 mL
Container
Serum gel or Red top tube; plastic vial for submission
Collection Instructions
Centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial.
Causes for Rejection
Gross hemolysis, gross lipemia, gross icterus
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Refrigerated | 30 days |
| Frozen | 30 days |