ARUP's Laboratory Test Directory

0098898: California Encephalitis Antibody, IgM by IFA, CSF

Test Mnemonic: CAL M CSF
Methodology: Indirect Fluorescent Antibody

Performed: Tue, Fri

Reported: 1-5 days

Specimen Required:  
Collect: CSF.

Transport: 2 mL CSF at 2-8°C.  (Min: 0.5 mL)  Submit specimen in an ARUP Standard Transport Tube.

Pediatric Collection/Transport: 0.15 mL CSF at 2-8°C.

Unacceptable Conditions: Heat-inactivated, contaminated, or hemolyzed specimens.

Stability: Ambient: 8 hours; Refrigerated: 2 weeks; Frozen: 1 year (avoid repeated freeze/thaw cycles)

Reference Interval:
Less than 1:1

Interpretive Data:
This test is intended to be used as a semi-quantitative means of detecting California Encephalitis Group virus-specific IgM in CSF samples in which there is a clinical suspicion of California Encephalitis Group virus infection. A positive result for IgM may suggest current or recent infection.  This test should not be used solely for quantitative purposes, nor should the results be used without correlation to clinical history or other data.  La Crosse virus is related within the California Encephalitis Group and generally is reactive with antibody to other viruses within this group.

Please refer to Statement E in the Compliance Statements section in the front of the Laboratory Test Directory.



CPT Code(s):
86651