Diagnostic Test Menu

West Nile Virus (WNV) Antibody, IgM

Test: West Nile Virus (WNV) Antibody, IgM

Overview

Testing for:
West Nile Virus
Sample Type:
Whole Blood
Test Code/s:
5000
Preferred Volume:
WB, 3.0 mL;
Plasma/Serum 1.0 mL
Minimum Required:
WB, 1.0 mL;
Plasma/Serum 0.5 mL
Storage:
WB, Room temperature <48 hours; Plasma/Serum, Refrigerator, 6 days; frozen 1 year
Shipping:
WB, Room temperature; Plasma/Serum: If frozen, dry ice; if not previously frozen, ice packs
Turnaround Time:
10 Business Days
Hospital/Institution Ordering Private Practice Ordering
 

  • Uses

    West Nile Virus (WNV) is spread by mosquitoes. Clinical symptoms for WNV are non-specific and infections can only be diagnosed by means of laboratory testing. Laboratory diagnosis is generally accomplished by detecting WNV-specific IgM antibodies in the serum or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). IgM antibodies are usually detectable from 3 to 8 days after onset of illness and persist for 30 to 90 days, (longer persistence has been documented.)

    Sample Instructions

    Note to Private Practice Physicians
    Please contact Coppe Laboratories to request a sample collection kit ahead of the scheduled blood draw. The kit contains instructions, EDTA tube, test request form, and prepaid overnight postage.

    1. Collect whole blood in EDTA tube labeled with patient name, date of birth, and date and time of draw. SAMPLES MUST BE DRAWN MONDAY THROUGH THURSDAY and sent overnight. If submitting plasma, process to plasma, and place in sterile vial or cryotube labeled with patient name, date of birth, and date and time of draw. Serum should be placed in sterile vial or cryotube labeled as above.

    2. Place tube into a biohazard bag with an absorbent pad and seal.

    3. Complete the test request form (found under ordering button). Scan and send to records@coppelabs.com to give Coppe Laboratories notification that the sample is being sent.

    4. Place the form and the sample in another sealable bag or pouch, seal, and ship according to the listed shipping specifications.

    5. Send the sample using an overnight delivery service. Coppe Laboratories accepts shipments MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY. Holiday closures will be posted on the home page of the Coppe website, www.coppelabs.com.

    New York Physicians: No approved waiver necessary. Coppe Laboratories holds a license with the NYSDOH (#PFI 9230) and is permitted to accept orders for the following tests: #3008 Powassan Virus IgG/IgM; #5000 West Nile Virus IgM; #2001 HHV 6 IHC; #20011 HHV 6 IHC (Endometrial)

  • Specimen

    Volume / Collection Type

    Minimum

    Storage

    Shipping

    N/A
    WB, 3.0 mL;
    Plasma/Serum 1.0 mL
    WB, 1.0 mL;
    Plasma/Serum 0.5 mL
    WB, Room temperature <48 hours; Plasma/Serum, Refrigerator, 6 days; frozen 1 year
    WB, Room temperature; Plasma/Serum: If frozen, dry ice; if not previously frozen, ice packs
    Specimen:
    N/A
    Volume / Collection Type:
    WB, 3.0 mL;
    Plasma/Serum 1.0 mL
    Minimum:
    WB, 1.0 mL;
    Plasma/Serum 0.5 mL
    Storage:
    WB, Room temperature <48 hours; Plasma/Serum, Refrigerator, 6 days; frozen 1 year
    Shipping:
    WB, Room temperature; Plasma/Serum: If frozen, dry ice; if not previously frozen, ice packs

  • Turn Around Time

    10 Business Days

  • Methodology

    The enzyme immunoassay (EIA) test provides a sensitive and specific, semi-quantitative assay for the detection of IgM antibodies to WNV. Highly specific viral protein is used to detect the antibodies to WNV and limit cross-reaction with other similar viruses.