West Nile Virus Antibody, IgG and IgM, Serum
Use
This test is useful for the laboratory diagnosis of infection with West Nile virus using serum specimens. Detection of antibodies to West Nile virus in serum can be used to support the diagnosis of recent West Nile virus infection. Laboratory diagnosis is best achieved by demonstration of specific IgG and IgM class antibodies in serum specimens.
Special Instructions
This test should be used for diagnostic purposes only. Specimen collection requires centrifugation and aliquoting serum into a plastic vial. If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send Infectious Disease Serology Test Request (T916) with the specimen.
Limitations
Test results should be used in conjunction with a clinical evaluation and other available diagnostic procedures. The significance of negative test results in immunosuppressed patients is uncertain. Positive test results may not be valid in persons who have received blood transfusions or other blood products within the past several months. False-positive results may occur in persons vaccinated for flaviviruses or in patients infected with other arboviruses. West Nile virus antibody results for cerebrospinal fluid should be interpreted with caution due to complicating factors. The absence of IgM antibodies may indicate a lack of acute-phase infection, but specimens collected too early may lead to false negatives.
FDA ApprovedNew York Approved
Methodology
Immunoassay (ELISA)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 94854-7
- 29566-7
- 29567-5
- 69048-7
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
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 |