Test ID PARV Parvovirus B19 Antibodies, IgG and IgM, Serum
Useful For
Diagnosing recent parvovirus infection (IgM)
Assessing past infection (eg, screening pregnant women) and immunity to parvovirus infection (IgG)
Profile Information
Test ID | Reporting Name | Available Separately | Always Performed |
---|---|---|---|
PAIG | Parvovirus B19 Ab, IgG, S | No | Yes |
PAIM | Parvovirus B19 Ab, IgM, S | No | Yes |
Method Name
Enzyme Immunoassay (EIA)
Reporting Name
Parvovirus B19 Ab, IgG and IgM, SSpecimen Type
SerumContainer/Tube:
Preferred: Serum gel
Acceptable: Red top
Specimen Volume: 0.5 mL
Forms: If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a General Request Form (T239) with the specimen (http://www.mayomedicallaboratories.com/it-mmfiles/general-request-form.pdf)
Specimen Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Specimen Stability Information
Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
---|---|---|
Serum | Refrigerated (preferred) | 14 days |
Frozen | 14 days | |
Ambient | 7 days |
Clinical Information
Parvovirus B19 is the causative agent of fifth disease (erythema infectiosum, slapped cheek syndrome), which usually produces a mild illness characterized by an intensive erythematous maculopapular facial rash. Most outbreaks of parvovirus infection are acquired by direct contact with respiratory secretions and occur in the spring of the year. Close contact between individuals is responsible for infection in schools, daycare centers, and hospitals. The virus has also been associated with fetal damage (hydrops fetalis), aplastic crisis, and arthralgia.(2-4) Infection during pregnancy risks transmission to the fetus, which may cause intrauterine death. The rate of fetal death following maternal infection ranges between 1% and 9%.
Reference Values
IgG: <0.9
IgM: <0.9
Cautions
Specimens drawn prior to seroconversion may yield negative IgM and IgG antibody results, while specimens drawn after IgM antibody levels have begun to decline may yield negative IgM antibody results. The results of a single assay or a combination of IgM and IgG EIAs should not preclude additional testing, ie, follow-up specimens from the patient 1 to 4 weeks following the initial test.
Test results of specimens from immunocompromised patients may be difficult to interpret.
Testing should not be performed as a screening procedure for the general population.
Specimens containing antinuclear antibodies may produce equivocal or positive test results in the IgM assay.
Epstein-Barr virus-positive specimens may produce positive or equivocal test results in the IgM assay.
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Friday; 11 a.m.
Report Available
Same day/1 dayPerforming Laboratory

Test Classification
This test has been cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and is used per manufacturer's instructions. Performance characteristics were verified by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements.CPT Code Information
86747 x 2