Test ID PARVP Parvovirus B19, Molecular Detection, PCR, Plasma
Useful For
Diagnosing parvovirus B19 infection in plasma specimens
Method Name
Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)/DNA Probe
Hybridization
(PCR is utilized pursuant to a license agreement with Roche
Molecular Systems, Inc.)
Reporting Name
Parvovirus B19 PCR, PSpecimen Type
Plasma EDTAContainer/Tube: Lavender top (EDTA)
Specimen Volume: 0.5 mL
Forms: If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Microbiology Test Request Form (T244) with the specimen (http://www.mayomedicallaboratories.com/it-mmfiles/microbiology_test_request_form.pdf).
Specimen Minimum Volume
0.3 mL
Specimen Stability Information
Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
---|---|---|
Plasma EDTA | Refrigerated (preferred) | 7 days |
Frozen | 7 days |
Clinical Information
Parvovirus B19 preferentially replicates in erythroid progenitor cells.(1) Infection with parvovirus B19 occurs early in life and the virus is transmitted by respiratory secretion and occasionally by blood products. Antibody prevalence ranges from 2% to 15% in early adults.(1)
Parvovirus B19 may result in an asymptomatic infection or produce a wide spectrum of disease ranging from erythema infections (slapped cheek syndrome or fifth disease) 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, abortion, or stillbirth of the fetus.(4) Parvovirus B19 is also the causative agent of persistent anemia usually, but not exclusively, in immunocompromised patients, transplant patients, and infants.
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
Not applicable
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; Varies
Report Available
Same day/1 dayPerforming Laboratory

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