West Nile Virus IgM Serology (Public Health Cases only)

Specimen:

• Blood: Collected 4 mL blood in a RED TOP Tube
• CSF: Collect 1 mL CSF in a sterile leak-proof container

Collection Timing:

• Acute:
  • Serum: 8 days post onset of symptoms.
  • CSF: 3 days post onset of symptoms.
• Convalescent: 2-4 weeks after acute

WA DOH Specimen Collection and Submission Instructions: West Nile Virus/St. Louis Encephalitis, MIA

Outside Laboratories (Washington State Only): Providers must obtain permission from the local county public health epidemiologist prior to submitting a sample. If sender is unable to complete an electronic order in the WA DOH ETOR portal, the following information is required: ordering provider name and NPI, patient full name, dob, sex, and address.

• Blood: Centrifuge sample and transfer serum to a separate plastic vial. Refrigerate serum.
• CSF: Refrigerate CSF.
• Transport samples with a cold pack.

Stability: Refrigerated (preferred): 7 days. For long-term storage, freeze at -20°C.

• Blood: Centrifuge sample and transfer serum to a separate plastic vial. Refrigerate serum.
• CSF: Refrigerate CSF.
  
  

Sendouts:

• Place the order in the WA DOH ETOR (Electronic Test Ordering & Results Portal).
  • Manual requisitions are no longer accepted by WAPHL.
• Print the resulting requisition and package it with the sample.
• Order Test: West Nile Virus/St. Louis encephalitis IgM, MIA under WA Virology.
• Enter a separate order for each sample type received.
• Send samples to WPHL via DLMP or Delivery Express courier.

Stability: Refrigerated (preferred): 7 days. For long-term storage, freeze at -20°C.