West Nile Virus Antibody, IgM, Spinal Fluid
Use
Aids in diagnosing central nervous system West Nile virus infections during the acute phase. West Nile virus (WNV) is a mosquito-borne flavivirus that primarily infects birds and can also infect humans and horses. Until the viral infection was recognized in 1999 in birds in New York City, WNV was found only in the Eastern Hemisphere, with wide distribution in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. 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, including fever, headache, myalgia, and occasionally a skin rash on the trunk of the body.
Special Instructions
Test is not orderable individually and must be performed as part of a profile including WNC / West Nile Virus Antibody, IgG and IgM, Spinal Fluid.
Limitations
The test results should be used in conjunction with clinical evaluation, exposure history, and other available diagnostic procedures. The significance of negative test results in immunosuppressed patients is uncertain. False-negative results due to competition by high levels of IgG, while theoretically possible, have not been observed. False-positive results may occur in patients infected with other flaviviruses, including dengue, St. Louis, and Zika viruses, and in persons previously infected with WNV.
New York Approved
Methodology
Immunoassay (ELISA)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 29569-1
- 29569-1
Result Turnaround Time
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 |