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Test ID SFLB Influenza Virus B Antibodies, IgG and IgM (Separate Determinations), Serum

Useful For

Diagnosis of recent infection by influenza virus type B when isolation of the organism by culture is unsuccessful

Method Name

Immunofluorescence

Reporting Name

Influenza Virus B Ab, IgG, IgM, S

Specimen Type

Serum

Preferred: Serum gel

Acceptable: Red top

Specimen Volume: 0.25 mL

Additional Information: 

1. Incidence of influenza virus infections is seasonal in the United States and usually occurs only from November to March.

2. Indicate influenza virus B.

Specimen Minimum Volume

0.15 mL

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time
Serum Refrigerated (preferred) 14 days
  Frozen  14 days

Clinical Information

Influenza is usually a mild illness of the upper respiratory tract. Involvement of the lower respiratory tract, however, can lead to 4 types of clinical syndromes; physical signs of lower respiratory tract involvement without roentgenographic evidence of pneumonia, influenza complicated by bacterial pneumonia, primary influenza virus pneumonia, and combined influenzal and bacterial pneumonias.

 

Influenza virus infections are most severe in patients with certain preexisting conditions such as rheumatic heart disease, bronchopulmonary disease, impaired renal function, and diabetes mellitus. Infections can be more severe in elderly patients, pregnant females, and immunocompromised patients.

 

Influenza virus type B generally produces less severe disease than type A. Outbreaks of influenza type B virus are usually more localized than type A. Both infections occur in the United States between November and March.

 

Influenza A is susceptible to antiviral activity of amantadine while influenza B is not inhibited by this drug.

Reference Values

IgG: <1:10

IgM: <1:10

Cautions

Influenza virus infections occur exclusively from November through March.

Day(s) Performed

Monday through Friday; 9 a.m.

Report Available

1 day

Performing Laboratory

Mayo Medical Laboratories in Rochester

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

86710 x 2

NY State Approved

Yes