Human Parvovirus B19 Detection and Diagnosis

Detection and diagnosis of the Human Parvovirus B19 is completed via one of five distinct methods. These detection methods can be performed by your family physician

• Electron microscopy – The human parvovirus is too small to be seen through an ordinary microscope. Thus the electron microscope is used.
• Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay – An assay is an analysis of the presence of the B19 antigen. This particular assay utilizes the action of enzymes.
• Hemagglutination – Blood samples of a patient are examined for hemagglutination. The hemagglutination is the clumping together of red blood cells. This is usually caused by the presence of toxins released by antigens like the human parvovirus
• Direct hybridization – This procedure can reveal the presence of all variants of the human parvovirus, including the new V9. But it may not be effective for immuno-suppressed patients.
• Polymerase Chain Reaction – The PCR is a sophisticated technology most often used in DNA fingerprinting. It is more sensitive than direct hybridization