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HelpTest Code WNC West Nile Virus Antibody, IgG and IgM, Spinal Fluid
Useful For
Aiding in diagnosis of central nervous system infection with West Nile virus
Profile Information
| Test ID | Reporting Name | Available Separately | Always Performed |
|---|---|---|---|
| WNGC | West Nile Virus Ab, IgG, CSF | No | Yes |
| WNMC | West Nile Virus Ab, IgM, CSF | No | Yes |
| WNVCI | West Nile CSF Interpretation | No | Yes |
Method Name
Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA)
Reporting Name
West Nile Virus Ab, IgG and IgM,CSFSpecimen Type
CSFSpecimen Required
Supplies: Sarstedt Aliquot Tube, 5 mL (T914)
Collection Container/Tube: Sterile vial
Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial
Specimen Volume: 1 mL
Collection Instructions: Submit specimen from collection vial 2, 3, or 4
Specimen Minimum Volume
0.8 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
|---|---|---|---|
| CSF | Refrigerated (preferred) | 7 days | |
| Frozen | 30 days |
Reference Values
IgG: Negative
IgM: Negative
Reference values apply to all ages.
Interpretation
Presence of specific IgM-class antibodies to West Nile virus (WNV) is consistent with the acute phase of WNV meningitis or encephalitis. In the very early stages of acute WNV infection, IgM may be detectable in spinal fluid (CSF) before it becomes detectable in serum.
The absence of IgM antibodies to WNV may indicate absence of disease. However, specimens collected too early in the acute phase may be negative for IgM-class antibodies to WNV. If WNV central nervous system infection is suspected, a second specimen should be collected in 1 to 2 weeks and tested.
The presence of IgG-class antibodies to WNV may indicate recent or past central nervous system (CNS) infection with WNV. Clinical correlation is necessary.
This assay is unable to distinguish between intrathecal antibody synthesis and serum antibodies introduced into the CSF at the time of lumbar puncture or from a breakdown in the blood-brain barrier. Positive results should be interpreted with other laboratory and clinical data prior to a diagnosis of CNS infection.
Clinical Reference
1. Petersen LR, Marfin AA. West Nile Virus: a primer for the clinician. Ann Intern Med. 2002;137(3):173-179
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). West Nile virus and other arboviral diseases--United States, 2012. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2013;62(25):513-517
3. Brinton MA. The molecular biology of West Nile Virus: a new invader of the western hemisphere. Ann Rev Microbiol. 2002;56:371-402
4. Habarugira G, Suen WW, Hobson-Peters J, Hall RA, Bielefeldt-Ohmann H. West Nile virus: an update on pathobiology, epidemiology, diagnostics, control and “one health†implications. Pathogens. 2020;9(7):589
Day(s) Performed
Monday, Wednesday, Friday
Report Available
Same day/1 to 4 daysPerforming Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
CPT Code Information
86789
86788
LOINC Code Information
| Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| WNC | West Nile Virus Ab, IgG and IgM,CSF | 94853-9 |
| Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| WNGC | West Nile Virus Ab, IgG, CSF | 77953-8 |
| WNMC | West Nile Virus Ab, IgM, CSF | 29569-1 |
| WNVCI | West Nile CSF Interpretation | 69048-7 |
Test Classification
This test has been modified from the manufacturer's instructions. Its performance characteristics were determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. This test has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send Infectious Disease Serology Test Request (T916) with the specimen.