Detection of IgM Antibodies Directed Towards West Nile Virus by ELISA
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Requisition Forms
Reference Details
Serological detection of IgM antibodies directed towards West Nile virus (WNV) by In-House MAC ELISA.
- West Nile encephalitis
Serum. Minimum volume of 250 µl required.
2 mL screw cap tubes.
Store samples refrigerated or frozen until shipped for testing. Ship frozen samples on dry ice, and refrigerated samples on wet ice
Shipping of specimens shall be done by a TDG certified individual in accordance with TDG regulations. For additional information regarding classification of specimens for the purposes of shipping, consult either Part 2 Appendix 3 of the TDG Regulations or section 3.6.2 of the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations as applicable.
Suspected West Nile virus infection.
Completed Viral Zoonoses requisition including sender laboratory name, address and telephone number. Patient name and / or identifier (specimen reference number), date of birth, test(s) requested, date of on-set of symptoms, and clinical and travel history of patient.
All WNV diagnostic samples are tested by both IgM and IgG ELISA to increase the clinical sensitivity.
The detection of IgG antibodies in a single serum sample is indicative of past or present exposure to this virus. A 4 fold rise or greater in neutralizing antibody titre, or seroconversion in paired sera, is required to document a "confirmed case" of infection.
IgM can persist in serum for up to a year or more after arbovirus exposure. Thus, detection of IgM by itself is not sufficient for confirmation of acute infection, but is consistent with an exposure at an undetermined time.
Isolation of an arbovirus or detection of nucleic acid by real-time RT-PCR in a clinical specimen provides clear evidence of infection associated with the current clinical illness.
15 Calendar days.
- Martin, D.A., Muth, D.A, Brown, T., Johnson, A.J., Karabatsos, N., and Roehrig, J.T. Standardization of immunoglobulin M capture enzyme-limked immunosorbent assays for routine diagnosis of arboviral infections. J. Clin. Micro. 2000; 38: 1823-1826.