Parvovirus IgM

Description: 
Qualitative chemiluminescent immuno-assay for Parvovirus IgM antibodies. Test used for the diagnosis of primary parvovirus infection. Tested together with parvovirus IgG. Reliable following onset of rash in immunocompetent individuals. DNA testing may be required in immunocompromised hosts, sickle cell disease and pregnancy. This assay is available routinely Mon to Fri.

Clinical details: 
Prodrome
Fever
Slapped cheek disease in children
Fine, erythematous maculopapular rash
arthralgia.arthropathy
Depressed reticulocyte count and fall in Hb
- Sickle cell/haemoglobinopathy patients may present with aplastic crisis during prodrome, before rash/arthropathy and serological response develop.
- Immunocompromised patients may present with anaemia (or pancytopenia) during prodrome, without development of rash/arthropathy or detectable antibody response.
- Parvo IgM may clear after one month, therefore parvo IgG alone may be detected following primary infection in pregnancy. Needs careful assessment
Reference range: 

Not applicable

Synonyms or keywords: 
Slapped cheek syndrome Fifth disease Erythema infectiosum Pregnancy Haemoglobinopathy Sickle cell disease Hydrops fetalis intrauterine transfusion FSGS
Units: 
Qualitative - Detected/Not Detected
Sample type and Volume required: 
2.5 – 5ml Yellow Top Serum Separation Tube (SST) Clotted Blood (for serum).
Turnaround time: 
8 days
Storage and transport: 
Place labelled sample in a sealed sample bag and send to Central Specimen Reception (CSR). To prevent sample haemolysis please store samples in refrigerator if a delay in sending samples to CSR is unavoidable.
Contacts:
Infection Sciences Department at St Thomas' Hospital
020 7188 8008
St Thomas' Hospital
North Wing - 5th Floor
Westminster Bridge Road
London SE1 7EH
Core opening hours: Monday-Friday 0900-1730


For clinical advice or interpretation of results, please contact the laboratory in the first instance.

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Last updated: 17/06/2022