DENGUE, CHIKUNGUNYA, & ZIKA IGM

Laboratory

Immunology/Virology

Description

Qualitative detection of IgM antibodies to Dengue, Chikungunya, and Zika viral antigens.

Test Methodology

Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA)

Specimen Types

• Whole blood
• Serum

Sample Volume / Collection Container

• 5 mL of whole blood collected in a red-top tube or serum separator tube (SST).
• 2 mL of serum collected in a sterile container.

Collection and Storage Guidelines

• An acute sample should be collected as soon as possible after the onset of symptoms (0-8 days), and the convalescent serum should be taken 2-3 weeks after the acute sample.
• Samples should be stored at 2 to 8°C until shipment and must be received within 2 days (48 hours) from collection (7 days from collection if testing for Chikungunya only). If a delay is anticipated, serum must be separated from the clot and stored at -20°C or lower.

DCLS approved submitters can request collection kits at DCLS_SSSKits@dgs.virginia.gov.

Transportation Instructions

• If samples are submitted refrigerated, ship them on frozen cold packs to maintain a temperature of 2 to 8°C.
• If serum samples are submitted frozen, ship them on dry ice to maintain a temperature of -20°C or colder.

Acceptable Arrival Temperature

• 2 to 8°C if the sample is sent refrigerated.
• -20°C or colder if the serum sample is sent frozen.

Causes for Rejection

• Samples that are grossly hemolyzed, icteric, or lipemic.
• Quantity of serum sample is less than 1mL.
• The details on the specimen do not precisely correspond with the patient’s records.
• Specimen has apparent contamination or particulate matter present.
• Previously heat-inactivated specimens.
• Specimens submitted using improper collection devices (e.g., with EDTA, heparin, or plasma) should not be used for serology testing.
• Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is not a suitable specimen type for testing.
• Specimen received outside of the acceptable arrival temperature range.
• More than 2 days (7 days for Chikungunya testing) have passed since the specimen was collected, and the serum was not kept frozen during this period.