The Parvovirus often causes mild symptoms in people who are infected. There may be a lacy rash on the face, similar to what a child would look like if someone “slapped” them. This is why the parvovirus infection is also sometimes referred to as the “slapped cheek syndrome.” Most cases of parvovirus only last 5-7 days and require no actual testing, but a medical provider may request ongoing monitoring.
For the average person, the parvovirus blood test is generally never ordered. When there is a high risk of adverse complications from the viral infection, however, there are several testing methods that can confirm the presence of this virus. People who are known to have sickle cell anemia will often receive this test if a viral infection is suspected.
When To See a Doctor About the Parvovirus Blood Test
In healthy individualsm, a parvovirus infection is generally self-limiting. This means the duration of the infection and its symptoms will go away in a few days. Most people feel like they have a bad version of a cold when they have a parvovirus infection. Fatigue is a common issue. Some people may need to receive treatment for anemia that is caused by the virus.
General screening is not recommended, but anyone with a compromised immune system for some reason will want to have a parvovirus blood test if they have an unusual rash on the face and other cold-like symptoms. Women who are pregnant who have these symptoms may have their medical provider discuss the possibility of fetal testing as well to make sure there isn’t an infection present with the child being carried.
If someone is suffering from chronic anemia or joint pain that is persistent, a chronic parvovirus infection may be the cause. Blood testing can help to determine if this is the case.
What Do My Test Results Mean?
When antibody testing is used for the parvovirus blood test, then the goal is to find high levels of IgG or IgM within the blood. If both are present, then it is very likely that the individual has an active infection and another test in a few weeks can confirm this initial diagnosis. Having a high concentration of IgG and IgM is sometimes more important than having a high overall level of the antibodies.
If only IgM is present, then this indicates a recent infection of the parvovirus that has resolved on its own within the last 2-4 months. If only IgG is present, then there was an infection at some point in that person’s life and they now have a certain level of immunity against a future infection.
Negative antibody blood test results generally mean someone has never been infected by the parvovirus and they have no immunity against a future infection.
Viral detection by locating the genetic materials of the virus is also a possibility with the parvovirus blood test. This test can provide a negative result even though there is an active infection present, however, so it is not always ordered. The virus must be present at a sufficient quantity in order for a viral detection blood test to be positive.
Here’s What You Need to Know
The parvovirus can be very difficult to detect in some individuals, especially when there is a compromised immune system involved. In this situation, another type of test, called a reticulocyte test, may be ordered to measure the number of new immature red blood cells that are within the bloodstream. This can be effective as a test because the parvovirus interrupts the creation of new red blood cells. It is also why some individuals may need to be treated for anemia.
When a woman who is pregnant is confirmed to have a parvovirus infection, the fetus will be monitored through ultrasound on a regular basis to watch for signs of infection. Most cases result in a healthy fetus and eventually a healthy child being born. In rare instances where complications may arise, the fetus may receive a blood transfusion to eliminate the virus from the bloodstream and then go
on to be born healthy.
The parvovirus is not known to cause birth defects.
The parvovirus blood test results explained here will help medical providers be able to determine the status of patient health. It is a diagnosis which only a medical provider is able to make. If you suspect that a parvovirus infection may have occurred, use this guide to discuss your health with your doctor so that you receive any treatments which may be required.