Test Directory

• West Nile Virus Antibody, IgG, Cerebrospinal Fluid
• West Nile Virus Antibody, IgM, Cerebrospinal Fluid

Aiding in diagnosis of central nervous system infection with West Nile virus.

Specimen Type: Cerebrospinal Fluid

Collection Container: Sterile, Non-additive Container (CSF) 

Desired Specimen Volume: 1 mL

1. Collect CSF specimen via lumbar puncture.

1. Submit specimen from collection vial 2, 3, or 4.
2. Transfer 1 mL of CSF to a sterile aliquot tube (screw cap).

Transport to the laboratory refrigerated. 

• Gross hemolysis

See patient report.

Test results should be used in conjunction with clinical evaluation, exposure history, and other available diagnostic procedures. The significance of negative test results in immunosuppressed patients is uncertain. False-positive results may occur in patients infected with other flaviviruses, including dengue virus, St. Louis virus, and Zika virus and in persons previously infected with West Nile virus (WNV).

WNV antibody results for spinal fluid (CSF) should be interpreted with caution. Complicating factors include low antibody levels found in CSF, passive transfer of antibody from blood, and contamination via a traumatic lumbar puncture.

• Arbovirus
• Flavivirus
• Mosquito borne encephalitis
• Viral encephalitis
• West Nile virus (WNV)