West Nile virus PCR testing: Bobbi Pritt, M.D.

Bobbi Pritt, M.D., co-director of Mayo Clinic’s Vector-borne Diseases Laboratory Services, explains Mayo Clinic Labs’ updated testing approach for West Nile virus, which is passed by mosquito bites. The polymerase chain reaction assay detects virus RNA in whole blood, urine, cerebral spinal fluid, and serum. Intended as an ancillary test to serologic testing, the highly sensitive test adds value by detecting both lineages of West Nile virus, identifying virus presence early in the disease course before antibodies are detectable, and confirming diagnosis in instances of unspecified serology results.

Show Notes

(00:31):

But before we get started, Dr. Pritt, could you provide our listeners with a little bit about you and your background?

 

(01:22):

Can you provide a brief overview and intended use of this testing?

 

(03:16):

Could you describe what clinical action is enabled by the results of this test?

 

(05:31):

Now let's discuss which patients should have this testing and when should it be performed?’

 

(06:56):

Can you now explain, how does this test improve upon previous testing approaches?

 

(08:04):

Are there other options on the market? If so, what makes our testing different or unique?

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