Zika Virus, IgM Antibody Capture ELISA, Serum
Use
This test is useful for screening for the presence of IgM-class antibodies to Zika virus. It is important in the context of symptomatic patients who have had potential exposure to Zika virus, especially when testing occurs at least 2 weeks post-symptom onset or post-exposure. This test is an initial step in diagnosing potential Zika virus infection, though confirmatory testing is often necessary due to the possibility of false-positive and false-negative results.
Special Instructions
This test is not intended for medical-legal use and is not recommended for asymptomatic couples attempting conception. For specimens collected less than 14 days post-symptom onset, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction testing is recommended to exclude false-negative results.
Limitations
A presumptive positive result only suggests infection with Zika virus and is not confirmatory. False-positive results may occur in patients with other flavivirus infections or post-vaccination against yellow fever. Negative results cannot rule out infection if tested prior to antibody development. Asymptomatic pregnant women with Zika virus exposure should not be tested using this assay due to seropersistence of IgM-class antibodies, which can persist for months and complicate the distinction between recent and past infections.
Methodology
Immunoassay (ELISA)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 80824-6
- 80824-6
Result Turnaround Time
1-14 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
1 mL
Minimum Volume
0.8 mL
Container
Plastic vial
Collection Instructions
Allow blood to clot at ambient temperature for 30 to 60 minutes, then centrifuge and aliquot serum into plastic vial. Send serum specimen frozen.
Causes for Rejection
Gross hemolysis, Gross lipemia, Gross icterus, Heat-inactivated specimen, Cord blood
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Frozen | 30 days |
