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HelpTest Code STLP St. Louis Encephalitis Antibody, IgG and IgM, Serum
Method Name
Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA)
Specimen Type
SerumOrdering Guidance
This assay detects only St. Louis virus. For a complete arbovirus panel, order ARBOP / Arbovirus Antibody Panel, IgG and IgM, Serum.
Specimen Required
Supplies: Sarstedt Aliquot Tube 5 mL (T914)
Collection Container/Tube:
Preferred: Serum gel
Acceptable: Red top
Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial
Specimen Volume: 0.5 mL
Collection Instructions: Centrifuge and aliquot serum into plastic vial.
Specimen Minimum Volume
0.25 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Serum | Refrigerated (preferred) | 14 days |
| Frozen | 14 days |
Reject Due To
| Gross hemolysis | Reject |
| Gross lipemia | Reject |
Clinical Information
The onset of St. Louis encephalitis is characterized by generalized malaise, fever, chilliness, headache, drowsiness, nausea, and sore throat or cough followed in 1 to 4 days by the meningeal and neurologic signs. The severity of illness increases with advancing age; persons over 60 years have the highest frequency of encephalitis. Symptoms of irritability, sleeplessness, depression, memory loss, and headaches can last up to 3 years. Areas of outbreaks since 1933 have involved the western United States, Texas, the Ohio-Mississippi Valley, and Florida. The vector of transmission is the mosquito. Peak incidence of St. Louis encephalitis is associated with summer and early autumn.
Reference Values
IgG: <1:10
IgM: <1:10
Reference values apply to all ages.
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Friday (May through October)
Monday, Wednesday, Friday (November through April)
Report Available
Same day/1 to 4 daysPerforming Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
CPT Code Information
86653 x 2
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send Infectious Disease Serology Test Request (T916) with the specimen.
Testing Algorithm
For more information see Mosquito-borne Disease Laboratory Testing.