Test ID PARVO Parvovirus B19, Molecular Detection, PCR, Varies
Necessary Information
Specimen source is required.
Specimen Required
Submit only 1 of the following specimens:
Preferred:
Specimen Type: Amniotic fluid
Container/Tube: Amniotic fluid container
Specimen Volume: 0.5 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Do not centrifuge.
2. Label specimen as amniotic fluid.
Specimen Type: Spinal fluid
Container/Tube: Sterile vial
Specimen Volume: 0.5 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Do not centrifuge.
2. Label specimen as spinal fluid.
Specimen Type: Synovial fluid
Container/Tube: Sterile vial or lavender top (EDTA)
Specimen Volume: 0.5 mL
Collection Instructions: Label specimen as synovial fluid.
Alternate:
Specimen Type: Bone marrow
Container/Tube: Sterile container or lavender top (EDTA)
Specimen Volume: 0.5 mL
Collection Instructions: Label specimen as bone marrow.
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Microbiology Test Request (T244) with the specimen.
Secondary ID
83151Useful For
Diagnosing parvovirus B19 infection
Method Name
Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)/DNA Probe Hybridization
Reporting Name
Parvovirus B19 PCRSpecimen Type
VariesSpecimen Minimum Volume
Amniotic Fluid, Bone Marrow, and Spinal Fluid 0.3 mL; Synovial fluid 0.5 mL
Specimen Stability Information
Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
---|---|---|
Varies | Refrigerated (preferred) | 7 days |
Frozen | 7 days |
Clinical Information
Parvovirus B19 is a DNA virus that preferentially replicates in erythroid progenitor cells.(1) Infection with parvovirus B19 can occur at any age, but is most common early in life. Antibody prevalence ranges from 2% to 15% in children 1 to 5 years old to 30% to 60% in adults.(1) The virus is transmitted by respiratory secretions and occasionally by blood products.
Parvovirus B19 infections can be asymptomatic or produce a wide spectrum of disease ranging from erythema infectiosum (“fifth disease" characterized by a classic “slapped cheek" rash) in children to arthropathy, severe anemia, and systemic manifestations involving the central nervous system, heart, and liver depending on the immune competence of the host.(2,3) Infection with parvovirus B19 in pregnant women may cause hydrops fetalis, congenital anemia, spontaneous abortion, or stillbirth of the fetus.(4) Parvovirus B19 is also the causative agent of transient aplastic crisis and chronic aplasia usually, but not exclusively, in immunocompromised or transplant patients, and those with preexisting hematologic disorders (eg, sickle cell disease).
Most acute infections with parvovirus B19 are diagnosed in the laboratory by serologically detecting IgG- and IgM-class antibodies with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay testing.
Reference Values
Negative
Cautions
A negative result does not necessarily indicate the absence of parvovirus B19 infection. False-negative results may be due to the virus being present at levels below the limit of detection for this assay, or to inhibitory substances that may be present in the specimen.
This assay has only been validated for the detection of genotype 1 parvovirus B19 and its ability to detect the less common genotypes 2 and 3 is unknown.
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Friday
Report Available
Same day/1 to 3 daysPerforming Laboratory

Test Classification
This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. It has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.CPT Code Information
87798