West Nile Virus Antibody, IgG, Spinal Fluid
Use
Aids in diagnosing recent or past central nervous system West Nile virus infection. West Nile virus (WNV) is a mosquito-borne flavivirus that primarily infects birds and can also infect humans and horses. Most people who are infected with WNV will not develop clinical signs of illness. It is estimated that about 20% of those who become infected will develop West Nile fever with mild symptoms, and case fatality rates among patients hospitalized during recent outbreaks have ranged from 4% to 14%.
Special Instructions
Not provided.
Limitations
This assay is unable to distinguish between intrathecal antibody synthesis and serum antibodies introduced into the spinal fluid at the time of lumbar puncture or from a breakdown in the blood-brain barrier. Positive results should be interpreted with other laboratory and clinical data prior to a diagnosis. False-positive results may occur in patients infected with other flaviviruses, including dengue virus, St. Louis virus, and Zika virus. Because closely related arboviruses exhibit serologic cross-reactivity, it is sometimes important to attempt to pinpoint the infecting virus.
New York Approved
Methodology
Immunoassay (ELISA)
Biomarkers
West Nile Virus IgG
Antibody
LOINC Codes
- 41236-1 - WNV IgG CSF Ql
- 77953-8 - WNV IgG CSF Ql IA
Result Turnaround Time
0-1 day
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Cerebrospinal Fluid
Volume
1 mL
Minimum Volume
0.8 mL
Container
Plastic vial
Collection Instructions
Submit specimen from collection vial 2, 3, or 4
Causes for Rejection
Gross hemolysis
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Refrigerated | 7 days |
| Frozen | 30 days |