The Missouri State Public Health Laboratory conducts IgM antibody testing for various arboviruses including West Nile Virus (WNV) and St. Louis encephalitis (SLE) on serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples.
Virology
WN IgM and SLE IgM antibody detection on single acute serum, convalescent serum, or CSF using Microsphere Immunoassay (MIA).
All specimens marked for Arbovirus serology will only be tested against antigens of the Flavivirus group, which include WNV and SLE.
Virus Serology Kit
The ideal timing to collect acute serum is 3 to 10 days after onset of symptoms.
Collect CSF as soon as possible after onset of symptoms.
At least 1 ml of serum and 1.5 ml of CSF is required for serological testing.
Specimens should be stored and transported at refrigerator temperature (2-8°C) after collection. Ship with freezer pillow(s) provided. Specimens must be received within 10 days of collection.
If greater than 10 days after collection specimens should be frozen (-20°C ) and shipped on dry ice.
Serum, CSF
Positive (CSF) - Indicates recent infection.
Positive (Serum) - Indicates infection.*
Nonspecific - Results of borderline significance (Convalescent specimen required for proper interpretation).
Negative - Results fail to indicate an infection with WNV or SLE.
* West Nile Virus IgM antibody may remain for more than one year. Thus it will be difficult to determine if a positive IgM (from serum) is from an acute WNV infection. In this case clinical correlation is required to determine infection.
Specimen not properly labeled
Quantity Not Sufficient for testing
Hemolyzed specimen
Improper storage/transport of specimen
N/A
3 to 10 days after receipt of specimen. May vary during high and low volume testing periods.
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N/A
N/A
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