Test Entry - Detail


Arbovirus Serology


General
  Clinical Use: Diagnostic testing for arboviruses, including flaviviruses (dengue virus, Zika virus, Japanese encephalitis virus/JEV, Murray Valley encephalitis virus/MVE, Kunjin/West Nile virus, yellow fever virus) and alphaviruses (Chikungunya virus, Ross River virus/RRV, Barmah Forest virus/BFV).
When no specific viruses are mentioned, test selection will depend on clinical and travel history provided. Note immunity testing for yellow fever and JEV is not recommended.
IgM and IgG testing is performed for each of the selected viruses. Due to cross-reactivity within the flavivirus group, a generic flavivirus IgG test may be performed. Acute and convalescent sera may be required to confirm recent infection by demonstrating an increase in IgG levels. For dengue, NS1 antigen testing is also performed and rapid testing is available for hospital patients; phone the lab if this is required.
For investigation of suspected flavivirus encephalitis, peripheral serology is the most sensitive test and should be performed first. If flavivirus IgM is detected in serum, flavivirus IgM testing should then be performed on CSF. Flavivirus PCR can also be performed on CSF but is less sensitive than IgM testing so is only used for confirmation, when there is sufficient CSF.
  Availability: Samples are batched and tested 3 times a week.
  Aliases/Synonyms: Alphavirus Serology,   Barmah Forest Virus Serology,   BFV Serology,   Chikungunya Serology,   Dengue Serology,   Flavivirus Serology,   Japanese Encephalitis Virus Serology,   Kunjin Virus Serology,   Murray Valley Encephalitis Serology,   MVE Serology,   Ross River Virus Serology,   RRV Serology,   West Nile Virus Serology,   Yellow Fever Virus Serology,   Zika Virus Serology,  
  Code: Serum:SEARB; CSF:SEARC
  Handling Instructions (to laboratory): Send sample chilled.
  Hyperlink:
  Reference Interval:
Refer to report or laboratory


Collection Requirements
  Container: Serum Sep. Tube-SST (GOLD),  
  Sample Type: See container
  Minimum Collection Volume: 5mL
  Collection Instructions: Clinical history should be provided to aid in test selection and reporting.


Processing Requirements
  Alternate Containers:
Serum, no gel (RED)
  Processing Instructions: For Dengue Serology ONLY requests, please register SEDNG.
  Minimum Assay Volume: 100uL per virus
  Stability: 5 days chilled;
  Transport Instructions (to testing laboratory): Send sample chilled.


Testing Locations
  Performed at:
Section Department Site Contact Phone
Serology Microbiology QEII Medical Centre 6383 4427


Last Updated : 25-03-2025 09:32