West Nile Virus Antibody, IgG, Serum

Casandra

Casandra Test Code MC27189Version 1 (DRAFT)

Performing Lab

Lab Mayo Clinic LabLab Test ID WNGSCPT Code 86789

West Nile Virus Antibody, IgG, Serum

Clinical Use

Use

The detection of IgG antibodies is crucial for diagnosing West Nile virus (WNV) infections. WNV is a mosquito-borne flavivirus that primarily infects birds but can also affect humans and horses. A significant portion of infected individuals do not show symptoms, but about 20% may develop West Nile fever, characterized by mild symptoms like fever, headache, and myalgia. Laboratory diagnosis is effectively achieved through the detection of specific IgG and IgM antibodies in serum. The presence of IgG antibodies in serum indicates past infection with the virus. For acute-phase infections, samples collected early after infection can be compared with those collected after two weeks to observe rising antibody levels.

Special Instructions

This test is only orderable as part of a profile, specifically the WNS / West Nile Virus Antibody, IgG and IgM, Serum profile. It is not individually orderable. The test employs the Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) method. Samples must be submitted in a Sarstedt Aliquot Tube 5 mL (T914) with serum gel or red top as the collection container and a plastic vial as the submission container.

Limitations

Test results should be interpreted alongside clinical evaluation and other diagnostic procedures. Factors such as immunosuppression can affect the significance of negative results. Positive results might not be reliable for individuals who have received blood transfusions recently. There is also a possibility of false positives due to serologic cross-reactivity with closely related flaviviruses or in individuals previously infected or vaccinated against similar viruses.

Test Details

New York Approved