Parvovirus B19 Serology

Test information: Parvovirus serology is used to assess susceptibility following possible exposure in pregnant women and immunocompromised individuals. It is also used to determine the status of patients with sickle cell disease and other haemoglobinopathies. Human Parvovirus B19 IgM and IgG assays are used together to diagnose slapped cheek syndrome / primary parvovirus infection. Please state the exposure details including, date of contact. Please also indicate the expected date of delivery for exposures during pregnancy.

Availability: Referred to Severn Pathology North Bristol NHS Trust: Monday - Friday during routine hours: 08:45 - 17:15.

Turnaround Time: 3 Day upon receipt at Severn Pathology North Bristol NHS Trust

Related Tests: Parvovirus B19 Quantitative PCR

Specimen Type(s)

• Clotted blood;

Other Acceptable Specimen Type(s)

N/A

Specimen Container - Adult

• Gold Top SST BD;

Specimen Container - Paediatric

• Plain Top Sarstedt;

Analytes

• Human Parvovirus B19 antibodies;

Part of a test profile?

No

Volume (min) of sample to be sent to laboratory

5 - 10mL

Patient Preparation, Sample Handling and Transport

• Minimum-clotting time 30 minutes.
• Specimens should be transported to the laboratory as soon as possible.
• Outside of normal hours samples should be refrigerated (2 °C to 8 °C).

Maximum add on time

2 Years

Units and Reference Ranges / Interpretation

Results: Negative / Positive

UKAS number

8043

UKAS accredited test?

Yes

Comments

Sickle cell/haemoglobinopathy patients may present with aplastic crisis during prodrome, before rash / arthropathy and serological response has developed.

Immunocompromised patients may present with anaemia (or pancytopenia) during prodrome, without development of rash / arthropathy or detectable antibody response.

Human Parvovirus B19 IgM may clear after one month, therefore Human Parvovirus B19 IgG alone may be detected following primary infection in pregnancy.

If non-immune send repeat serum immediately and after 4 weeks.

Please note haematological manifestations of Human Parvovirus B19 infection present during the acute viremic stage, often before seroconversion. Therefore, in these settings Parvovirus PCR testing is more reliable.

If you have any queries about a test or results interpretation please contact us.