We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress hp
Sign In
Advertise with Us
PURITAN MEDICAL

Download Mobile App




Whole-Blood Testing Diagnoses Acute Zika Virus Infections

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 04 Jul 2019
Zika virus infections are linked to congenital malformations in neonates from mothers infected during pregnancy and to neurologic disorders in adults. More...
Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) is the most reliable method for confirming Zika virus infections.

The stakes for an accurate diagnosis are high when congenital Zika syndrome might be involved, such as in diagnosis in pregnant women and their partners, because Zika virus infections can be sexually transmitted. Diagnostics are based on Zika virus RNA detection, detection of Zika virus–specific antibodies, or both.

Scientists at the Erasmus Medical Center (Rotterdam, the Netherlands) compared Zika virus quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) results for 249 EDTA–whole blood and EDTA–plasma pairs submitted for laboratory testing from 227 patients with suspected Zika virus infection during July 2016–May 2017.

For testing, they spiked the samples with an internal control and extracted total nucleic acids from a 500-μL sample in 100 μL of eluate using the MagNAPure 96 DNA and Viral NA large volume kit and Viral NA Universal LV 2.0 protocol. They confirmed all Zika virus RNA−positive samples using a commercial Zika virus qRT-PCR.

The team detected Zika virus RNA in 31 (12.4%) of 249 whole-blood samples and in 23 (74.2%) of the 31 corresponding plasma samples. The 31 positive whole-blood samples were collected from 31 individual patients. This comparison indicated that eight additional Zika virus–positive patients would have been identified if whole blood had been used routinely instead of plasma. This finding represented a 34% increase in confirmed cases of Zika virus infection.

The scientists tested urine and plasma by qRT-PCR and tested serum by ELISA for the presence of Zika virus–specific IgM and IgG. For three of the eight additional patients, Zika virus infection had already been confirmed on the basis of the presence of Zika virus RNA and IgM in an earlier plasma sample. For the remaining five patients, only a status of probable case was achieved without the whole blood testing.

The authors concluded that that individual patient care might benefit from whole-blood testing in a routine diagnostic laboratory setting, thereby possibly reducing the need for more specialized serology (i.e., comparative flavivirus neutralization tests) to confirm cases based on serology. Therefore, they have implemented whole blood RT-PCR testing for Zika virus diagnostic requests in our routine diagnostic setup. The study was published in the July 2019 issue if the journal Emerging Infectious Diseases.

Related Links:
Erasmus Medical Center


New
Gold Member
Serological Pipets
INTEGRA Serological Pipets
Serological Pipet Controller
PIPETBOY GENIUS
New
Automatic Hematology Analyzer
LABAS F9000
New
DNA/RNA Extraction/Purification Kit
Nucleic Acid Extraction or Purification Kit
Read the full article by registering today, it's FREE! It's Free!
Register now for FREE to LabMedica.com and get access to news and events that shape the world of Clinical Laboratory Medicine.
  • Free digital version edition of LabMedica International sent by email on regular basis
  • Free print version of LabMedica International magazine (available only outside USA and Canada).
  • Free and unlimited access to back issues of LabMedica International in digital format
  • Free LabMedica International Newsletter sent every week containing the latest news
  • Free breaking news sent via email
  • Free access to Events Calendar
  • Free access to LinkXpress new product services
  • REGISTRATION IS FREE AND EASY!
Click here to Register








DIASOURCE (A Biovendor Company)

Channels

Molecular Diagnostics

view channel
Image: The RNA-seq based diagnostic test for pediatric leukemia ensures better outcomes for children with this common cancer (Photo courtesy of Qlucore)

RNA-Seq Based Diagnostic Test Enhances Diagnostic Accuracy of Pediatric Leukemia

A new unique test is set to reshape the way Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (BCP-ALL) samples can be analyzed. Qlucore (Lund, Sweden) has launched the first CE-marked RNA-seq based diagnostic test for pediatric... Read more

Hematology

view channel
Image: CitoCBC is the world first cartridge-based CBC to be granted CLIA Waived status by FDA (Photo courtesy of CytoChip)

Disposable Cartridge-Based Test Delivers Rapid and Accurate CBC Results

Complete Blood Count (CBC) is one of the most commonly ordered lab tests, crucial for diagnosing diseases, monitoring therapies, and conducting routine health screenings. However, more than 90% of physician... Read more

Immunology

view channel
Image: A simple blood test could replace surgical biopsies for early detecion of heart transplant rejection (Photo courtesy of Shutterstock)

Blood Test Detects Organ Rejection in Heart Transplant Patients

Following a heart transplant, patients are required to undergo surgical biopsies so that physicians can assess the possibility of organ rejection. Rejection happens when the recipient’s immune system identifies... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2025 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.