Parvovirus B19

Alternative Names/Synonyms	Detection of parvovirus B19 by molecular or serologic approaches
Laboratory	Microbiology
Sub-section	Virology
Specimen Type	PCR: ○ Amniotic fluid ○ CSF ○ Plasma Serology: ○ Whole blood ○ Serum

Other Information

○ Parvovirus IgG testing will be performed on all requests for Parvovirus serology.
○ Parvovirus IgG and IgM testing will only be performed when clinical information indicates acute/recent infection.
○ Parvovirus PCR on CSF (all) and blood (non-transplant patients) requires approval.

Specimen Requirements (Tube Type)

○ Amniotic fluid/CSF: sterile container
○ Plasma: EDTA-blood tube (lavender top) (min volume 5 mL)
○ Serum/whole blood: serum separator tube (clotted blood) (min volume 5 mL)

Collection Requirements

Amniotic fluid:
○ Decontaminate skin, insert needle into uterus aseptically and collect amniotic fluid via percutaneous aspiration (amniocentesis). Collect fluid in sterile container

CSF:
○ Decontaminate skin, collect at least 0.5 mL of CSF into sterile container

Whole blood/serum/plasma:
○ Decontaminate skin with 70% alcohol followed by iodine or chlorhexidine, collect at least 5 mL of blood.

Sample Stability

Refer to section Sample Processing / Delivery

Referral Laboratory

In-house

Routine Turnaround Time

○ PCR: Up to 1 week
○ Serology: 5 days

Laboratory Contact Information

416-586-4800 extension 4612

Approval Required

NO; see exceptions in section Other Information

Sample Processing / Delivery

○ Label specimen container. Place specimens in biohazard bag and seal.

○ Specimens should be stored at refrigeration temperature (2-8C˚) after collection and transported to the UHN/SH Microbiology Laboratory ASAP, except CSF that should be kept at room temperature (20-25 C˚).

○ The specimen will be referred to the Public Health Ontario Laboratory for serology testing. Molecular testing is performed in house.