Parvovirus B19 Antibody Test-Why am I having this test?

Parvovirus B19 antibody test checks for signs of parvovirus B19 infection. Parvovirus B19 is a virus that causes a common childhood illness called erythema infectiosum (also known as fifth disease).

In most cases, the illness is harmless and goes away without treatment. However, parvovirus B19 can cause more severe illness in some people, and it may also cause miscarriage in pregnant women. You may have this test if:

• You or your child has possible symptoms of parvovirus B19 infection, such as fever, joint pain or swelling, and a rash on the face.
• You are a pregnant woman who may have been exposed to parvovirus B19.
• You will be receiving a donated organ (organ transplant).
• You have a weak disease-fighting (immune) system and you have:
  • Signs of bone marrow failure.
  • Signs of a severe lack of red blood cells (anemia).
  • Long-term (chronic), severe anemia.

What is being tested?

This test checks the blood for the presence of:

• IgG (immunoglobulin G) antibodies.
• IgM (immunoglobulin M) antibodies.

Antibodies are a type of cell that is part of the body’s immune system. After you get an infection, your body makes antibodies that stay in your body after you recover and protect you from getting the same infection again.

What kind of sample is taken?

A blood sample is required for this test. It is usually collected by inserting a needle into a blood vessel or by sticking a finger with a small needle.

How are the results reported?

Your test results will be reported as either positive or negative. Positive means that you have the antibody, and negative means that you do not have the antibody.

What do the results mean?

A negative result for both antibodies is considered normal. This result means that you do not have a parvovirus B19 infection and you are not immune to the virus. You may be ready for an organ transplant, if applicable.

A result that is positive for IgG antibodies means that you are immune to parvovirus B19 because you have had the infection in the past.

A result that is positive for IgM antibodies may mean that you have a current (active) parvovirus B19 infection.

Talk with your health care provider about what your results mean.

Questions to ask your health care provider

Ask your health care provider, or the department that is doing the test:

• When will my results be ready?
• How will I get my results?
• What are my treatment options?
• What other tests do I need?
• What are my next steps?

Summary

• Parvovirus B19 is a virus that causes a common childhood illness called erythema infectiosum (also known as fifth disease).
• In most cases, the illness is harmless and goes away without treatment. However, parvovirus B19 can cause more severe illness in some people, and it may cause miscarriage in pregnant women.
• Testing positive for IgG antibodies means that you are immune to parvovirus B19 because you have had the infection in the past.
• Testing positive for IgM antibodies may mean that you have an active parvovirus B19 infection.