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HelpEpic Test Code LAB800 Parvovirus B19 Antibodies, IgG and IgM, Serum
Additional Codes
MML:PARVS
Ordering Guidance
This test is intended for patients with at least 7 days of symptoms or asymptomatic individuals with recent exposure to parvovirus B19.
For patients with acute, symptomatic presentation, order either PARVP / Parvovirus B19, Molecular Detection, PCR, Plasma or PARVO / Parvovirus B19, Molecular Detection, PCR, Varies.
Specimen Required
Supplies: Sarstedt Aliquot Tube, 5 mL (T914)
Collection Container/Tube:
Preferred: Serum gel
Acceptable: Red top
Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial
Specimen Volume: 0.5 mL
Collection Information: Centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial.
Useful For
Serologic detection of recent or past parvovirus B19 infection
Profile Information
| Test ID | Reporting Name | Available Separately | Always Performed |
|---|---|---|---|
| PARVG | Parvovirus B19 Ab, IgG, S | No | Yes |
| PARVM | Parvovirus B19 Ab, IgM, S | No | Yes |
| PARVN | Parvovirus B19 Ab Interpretation | No | Yes |
Reporting Name
Parvovirus B19 Ab, IgG and IgM, SSpecimen Type
SerumSpecimen Minimum Volume
0.4 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
|---|---|---|---|
| Serum | Refrigerated (preferred) | 14 days | |
| Frozen | 14 days |
Reject Due To
| Gross hemolysis | Reject |
| Gross lipemia | Reject |
| Gross icterus | Reject |
| Heat-inactivated specimen | Reject |
Clinical Information
Parvovirus B19 is the causative agent of fifth disease (ie, erythema infectiosum, slapped cheek syndrome), which usually produces a mild illness characterized by an intensive erythematous maculopapular facial rash. Most outbreaks of parvovirus infection are acquired by direct contact with respiratory secretions and primarily occur in the spring. Close contact between individuals is responsible for infection in schools, daycare centers, and hospitals. The virus has also been associated with fetal damage (hydrops fetalis), aplastic crisis, and arthralgia. Infection during pregnancy presents the risk of transmission to the fetus that may cause intrauterine death. The rate of fetal death following maternal infection ranges between 1% and 9%.
Parvovirus B19 preferentially replicates in erythroid progenitor cells.(1) Infection with parvovirus B19 occurs early in life, and the virus is transmitted by respiratory secretion and occasionally by blood products. The prevalence of parvovirus B19 IgG antibodies increases with age. The age-specific prevalence of antibodies to parvovirus is 2% to 9% of children under 5 years, 15% to 35% in children 5 to 18 years of age, and 30% to 60% in adults (19 years or older).
Most acute infections with parvovirus B19 are diagnosed in the laboratory by serologically detecting IgG and IgM class antibodies to the virus using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay testing.
Reference Values
IgG: Negative
IgM: Negative
Interpretation
|
Parvovirus B19 IgM |
Parvovirus B19 IgG |
Interpretation |
|
Negative |
Negative |
No antibody to Parvovirus B19 detected. Acute infection cannot be ruled out as antibody levels may be below the limit of detection. If clinically indicated, a second serum should be submitted in 14 to 21 days. |
|
Negative |
Positive |
Results suggest past infection. |
|
Equivocal |
Positive or negative |
Recommend follow-up testing in 10 to 14 days if clinically indicated. |
|
Positive |
Positive, negative, or equivocal |
Results suggest recent infection and should be interpreted in the context of clinical presentation. |
The presence of IgM class antibodies suggests recent infection. The presence of IgG antibodies only is indicative of past exposure.
Both IgG and IgM may be present at or soon after onset of illness and reach peak titers within 30 days. Because IgG antibody may persist for years, diagnosis of acute infection is made by the detection of IgM antibodies.
Cautions
Specimens collected prior to seroconversion may yield negative IgM or IgG antibody results, while specimens collected after IgM antibody levels have begun to decline may yield negative IgM antibody results. Follow-up testing of convalescent samples may be beneficial to establish infection status.
The continued presence or absence of antibodies cannot be used to determine the success or failure of therapy.
Test results of specimens from immunocompromised patients may be difficult to interpret.
Testing should not be performed as a screening procedure for the general population. Testing should only be done when clinical evidence suggests the diagnosis of parvovirus B19-associated disease.
The performance of this test has not been established on neonates and immunocompromised patients.
Specimens containing antinuclear antibodies may produce equivocal or positive test results in the IgM assay.
Epstein-Barr virus-positive specimens may produce positive or equivocal test results in the IgM assay.
Assay performance characteristics have not been established for matrices other than serum.
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Friday
Report Available
Same day/1 to 3 daysSpecimen Retention Time
14 daysPerforming Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
CPT Code Information
86747 x 2
NY State Approved
YesForms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send Infectious Disease Serology Test Request (T916) with the specimen.