Direct and Indirect Powassan Virus Testing

Blood test for Powassan Virus by Coppe Laboratories

Immunofluorescent antibody stain showing positive Powassan-infected cells

Immunofluorescent antibody stain showing positive Powassan-infected cells

Coppe Laboratories Powassan Virus testing includes both a direct and indirect test.  A simple blood sample is all that is required.  The direct test (PCR) will detect acute infection and the indirect test (IFA) provides evidence of viral exposure. The picture at the left represents a positive POWV.

Powassan virus is carried by the same tick that causes Lyme disease.  Unlike Lyme Borrelia, however, the virus is transmitted within 15 minutes of tick attachment making it unique among tick-borne pathogens in that even diligent adherence to daily tick checks may be inadequate to prevent infection.

The clinical presentation of the viral infection, similar to both acute and chronic Lyme disease, includes symptoms of fatigue, fever, muscle weakness, confusion, headache, nausea and vomiting.  Fatalities have been reported in 10% of cases with serious neurological disease.  Long-term neurologic symptoms have been noted in up to 50% of survivors.

Coppe Laboratories is the first reference laboratory to provide testing for Powassan virus.

About Coppe Laboratories

Coppe Laboratories is a contract research organization and a CLIA-certified reference laboratory in Waukesha, Wisconsin (USA) specializing in research and diagnostics for emerging viral diseases. Since its founding in 2012, Coppe has delivered unparalleled clinical lab service to academic and children’s hospitals, integrative medicine specialists, and clinical research centers nationwide. Our scientists provide custom contract research services, designing essential experiments and providing preliminary data in support of biotech and pharmaceutical industries worldwide.

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