ARUP's Laboratory Test Directory

Dengue Fever Virus Antibody, IgM : 0093098

Mnemonic: DEN M

Methodology: Semi-Quantitative Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
Performed: Mon, Wed, Fri
Reported: 1-5 days
Specimen Required: Collect: Serum separator tube.

Specimen Preparation: Separate serum from cells ASAP or within 2 hours of collection. Transfer 1 mL serum to an ARUP Standard Transport Tube. (Min: 0.1 mL) Parallel testing is preferred and convalescent specimens must be received within 30 days from receipt of the acute specimens. Mark specimen plainly as "acute or convalescent."

Storage/Transport Temperature: Refrigerated.

Unacceptable Conditions: Contaminated, heat-inactivated, hemolyzed, or severely lipemic specimens.

Stability (collection to initiation of testing): After separation from cells: Ambient: 48 hours; Refrigerated: 2 weeks; Frozen: 1 year (avoid repeated freeze/thaw cycles)
Reference Interval:
1.64 IV or less: Negative - No significant level of detectable dengue fever virus IgM antibody.
1.65-2.84 IV: Equivocal - Questionable presence of antibodies.  Repeat testing in 10-14 days may be helpful.
2.85 IV or greater: Positive - IgM antibody to dengue fever virus detected, which may indicate a current or recent infection.
However, low levels of IgM antibodies may occasionally persist for more than 12 months post-infection.
Interpretive Data: The best evidence for current infection is a significant change on two appropriately timed specimens, where both tests are done in the same laboratory at the same time.
CPT Code(s): 86790
Cross References: Breakbone Fever (Dengue Fever Virus Antibody, IgM), Flavivirus (Dengue Fever Virus Antibody, IgM), Hemorrhagic Fever (Dengue Fever Virus Antibody, IgM)