West Nile Virus Antibody, IgM, Serum
Use
West Nile virus (WNV) is a mosquito-borne flavivirus that primarily infects birds and can also infect humans and horses. It was first isolated in 1937 in Uganda. Most people infected with WNV will not develop clinical illness, but about 20% may develop mild symptoms such as fever, headache, and myalgia. Laboratory diagnosis is best achieved by detecting specific IgG and IgM antibodies in serum specimens.
Special Instructions
This test is only orderable as part of a profile, which includes WNS / West Nile Virus Antibody, IgG and IgM, Serum.
Limitations
Test results should be used alongside clinical evaluation and other diagnostic procedures. Positive results may not be valid in individuals who received blood transfusions recently. False positives may occur due to cross-reactivity with other flaviviruses or previous infections.
Methodology
Immunoassay (ELISA)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 29567-5
- 29567-5
Result Turnaround Time
1-4 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 (preferred) or Red top; Submission in plastic vial
Collection Instructions
Centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial.
Causes for Rejection
Gross hemolysis, gross lipemia, gross icterus, heat inactivated specimen
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Refrigerated | 14 days |
| Frozen | 14 days |
