Parvovirus B19
Also known as: Parvovirus; Fifth Disease test; Parvo B19
Formal name: Parvovirus B19
Related tests: Reticulocyte Count
At a Glance
Why Get Tested?
To determine if you have, or recently had, a parvovirus B19 infection if you are at increased risk of complications from this viral infection
When to Get Tested?
When a pregnant woman has been exposed to someone with parvovirus B19; when a person, especially an immune-compromised person, has persistent or severe anemia
Sample Required?
A blood sample drawn from a vein in your arm for parvovirus B19 antibody testing; to detect the virus itself, the sample may be blood or, rarely, bone marrow
Test Preparation Needed?
None
