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Tests and Services Manual: Virus Serology

Hepatitis A (HAV) Antibody (IgM) and/or Anti-HAV (total antibody) Specimen: 2-3 ml of blood in red top tube, 1-2 ml serum or plasma (sodium heparin plasma only for anti-HAV)
Method: IgM and Total HAV: Chemiluminescent Immunoassay
Turnaround Time: 1-3 day(s)
Special Requirements: Specimens must be kept refrigerated at 2-8°C for up to seven days, and frozen if stored for more than seven days.

For submission requirements, call the Bureau of Communicable Disease at 347-396-2600.
Measles (Rubeola) Antibody (IgG and/or IgM) Specimen: Minimum 2-3 ml of blood in serum separator tube (SST, red-speckled, or gold-top tube) or 1-2 ml of serum
Method: IgG: Chemiluminescent Immunoassay

IgM: Enzyme Immunoassay (EIA)
Turnaround Time: 1-3 day(s)
Special Requirements: 2-8°C; For submission instructions, call the Bureau of Immunization at 347-396-2402. After collection, invert tube gently a few times and allow blood to clot. It is recommended to centrifuge for at least 15 minutes (at 2,200-2,500 rpm) within one hour of collection. Transfer serum to an empty sterile tube and relabel. Specimens that are not centrifuged within one hour of collection should be refrigerated immediately. Measles IgM results from blood specimens collected within the first 72 hours after rash onset may be falsely negative and may need to be repeated before excluding the diagnosis.
Mumps Antibody (IgG and/or IgM) Specimen: Minimum 2-3 ml of blood in a serum separator tube (SST, red-speckled, or gold-top tube) or 1-2 ml of serum
Method: IgG: Chemiluminescent Immunoassay

IgM: Enzyme Immunoassay (EIA)
Turnaround Time: 1-3 day(s)
Special Requirements: 2-8°C; For submission instructions, call the Bureau of Immunization at 347-396-2402. After collection, invert tube gently a few times and allow blood to clot. It is recommended to centrifuge for at least 15 minutes (at 2,200-2,500 rpm) within one hour of collection. Transfer serum to an empty sterile tube and relabel. Specimens that are not centrifuged within one hour of collection should be refrigerated immediately.
Rubella Antibody (IgG and/or IgM) Specimen: Minimum 2-3 ml of blood in a serum separator tube (SST, red-speckled, or gold-top tube) or 1-2 ml of serum
Method:

IgG: Chemiluminescent Immunoassay

Turnaround Time: 1-3 day(s)
Special Requirements: 2-8°C; For submission instructions, call the Bureau of Immunization at 347-396-2402. After collection, invert tube gently a few times and allow blood to clot. It is recommended to centrifuge for at least 15 minutes (at 2,200-2,500 rpm) within one hour of collection. Transfer serum to an empty sterile tube and relabel. Specimens that are not centrifuged within one hour of collection should be refrigerated immediately.
SARS-CoV-2 IgG Antibody Specimen: Minimum 2-3 ml of blood in serum separator tube (SST, red-speckled, or gold-top tube) or 1-2 ml of serum
Method: Chemiluminescent Immunoassay
Turnaround Time: 1-3 day(s)
Special Requirements: 2-8°C

By special arrangement only. Pre-approval is required for testing at the Public Health Laboratory.

After collection, invert tube gently a few times and allow blood to clot. It is recommended to centrifuge for at least 15 minutes (at 2,200-2,500 rpm) within one hour of collection. Transfer serum to an empty sterile tube and relabel. Specimens that are not centrifuged within one hour of collection should be refrigerated immediately. Specimens must be received within 72 hours after collection.
Special referrals to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or New York State Labs (Albany, NY) Specimen: Depending on test request
Method: Referred to CDC/NYS
Turnaround time: Minimum 1-4 weeks
Special Requirements: For submission instructions, call the Bureau of Communicable Disease at 347-396-2600.

Requires CDC/NYS history form supplied by the Public Health Laboratory.
Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV) Antibody (IgG and/or IgM) Specimen: Minimum 2-3 ml of blood in a serum separator tube (SST, red-speckled, or gold-top tube) or 1-2 ml of serum
Method: IgG: Chemiluminescent Immunoassay

IgM: Enzyme Immunoassay (EIA)
Turnaround Time: 1-3 day(s)
Special Requirements: 2-8°C; For submission instructions, call the Bureau of Immunization at 347-396-2402. After collection, invert tube gently a few times and allow blood to clot. It is recommended to centrifuge for at least 15 minutes (at 2,200-2,500 rpm) within one hour of collection. Transfer serum to an empty sterile tube and relabel. Specimens that are not centrifuged within one hour of collection should be refrigerated immediately.
Zika Virus Antibody (IgM) Specimen:

2-3 ml of blood in red top tube or 1-2 ml of serum

Method: Capture Chemiluminescent Immunoassay
Turnaround Time: 1-4 day(s)
Special Requirements: Pre-approval is required for the testing of Zika lab specimens at the Public Health Laboratory (PHL).

Providers should routinely send specimens to a commercial lab. Only send specimens to the PHL in the following situations:
  • Infants with findings concerning for possible congenital Zika virus infection (e.g., microcephaly, intracranial abnormalities, contractures), born to an exposed mother, even if maternal Zika virus testing results were negative.
  • Possible Guillain-Barré syndrome or any unusual neurologic manifestation.
  • Possible unusual modes of transmission (e.g., transfusion, organ transplantation).
To request Zika testing for city residents, call 866-692-3641, Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

See the Instructions for Submission of Serum and Urine Specimens for Zika Virus Testing for NYC Residents (PDF) for further guidance.
Laboratory Test Request Form: To order testing, call Provider Access Line at 866-692-3641.