Newcastle Laboratories

Parvovirus B19 IgM

Clinical Background:

This is a serological assay used to detect IgM antibodies to Parvovirus B19. It is used as the diagnostic test for recent parvovirus B19 infection. IgM antibodies are produced early in infection an...

This is a serological assay used to detect IgM antibodies to Parvovirus B19. It is used as the diagnostic test for recent parvovirus B19 infection. IgM antibodies are produced early in infection and normally persist for about 4 weeks. Parvovirus is responsible for 'slapped cheek disease' (erythema infectiosum) in children and also rash and arthralgia in adults. It can cause anaemia and aplasia in those with underlying haemoglobinopathies and immunosuppression. Low level IgM results can be non-specific and some samples are sent for Parvovirus PCR to confirm the diagnosis. IgM response may be absent or delayed in the immunocompromised and a parvovirus PCR should also be sent for diagnosis. I

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Test Details

  • Discipline:

    Microbiology

    Microbiology

  • Specimen Container Adult:

    Clotted blood - Gold SST

    Clotted blood - Gold SST

  • Specimen Container Paediatric:

    Clotted blood

    Clotted blood

  • Minimum Volume Adult:

    5 ml

    5 ml

  • Minimum Volume Paediatric:

    1 ml

    1 ml

  • Special Requirement:

    Send to laboratory as quickly as possible. If delays likely, refrigerate at 2-8 deg C

    Send to laboratory as quickly as possible. If delays likely, refrigerate at 2-8 deg C

  • Sample Stability:

    Stable for up to 24 hours

    Stable for up to 24 hours

  • Transport Requirements:

    Standard

    Standard

  • Add On Test:

    Possible up to 5 days

    Possible up to 5 days

  • Quality Assurance:

    UK National External Quality Assurance Scheme (UKNEQAS)

    UK National External Quality Assurance Scheme (UKNEQAS)

  • Reference Ranges:

    None available
    None available
  • Factors Affecting Result:

    If delays likely, refrigerate at 2-8 deg C

    If delays likely, refrigerate at 2-8 deg C

Availability:

Performed daily during core hours

Turn Around:

5 days

Send To:

Department of Microbiology

Freeman Hospital
Freeman Road
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE7 7DN

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