The Parvovirus B19 IgG test involves a simple blood draw to check for antibodies, while a more invasive bone marrow sample may be taken to check for the virus itself. The virus, also known as fifth disease, is common and usually mild. The bone marrow test is only done in certain situations.
During a parvovirus B19 immunoglobulin G (IgG) test, you can typically expect to go through a relatively simple process not unlike drawing blood for other purposes, such as drawing blood. A needle is inserted into the arm and the blood sample is taken. This test determines if there is a presence of antibodies used to fight disease in your system. If your doctor decides you need to test for the virus itself, you can expect to have a bone marrow sample taken in a more complicated procedure.
Parvovirus B19 IgG, also known as fifth disease, is estimated to be contracted by about half of all adults at some point, or possibly more. It typically has mild, flu-like symptoms or no symptoms, and runs its course within a few weeks. If you suffer from chronic anemia or other types of conditions related to iron deficiency, your doctor may request a parvovirus B19 IgG test to rule out the possibility that your body has this infection and cannot fight it on its own.
The typical Parvovirus B19 IgG test is nothing more than some pressure and the short puncture of the needle. Everyone reacts to needles differently, however, and if you’re not comfortable with them, you may find that you have some anxiety about the procedure. This test does not detect the presence of the virus, but instead shows if there are antibodies in the bloodstream that fight the virus. If there are, this results in a positive result for parvovirus B19 IgG.
If your doctor decides they’d prefer to determine if the virus itself is present in your body, you can expect a more invasive test. A bone marrow sample will be taken to check for the virus. Your doctor will ask you to lie on your stomach or side and give you a mild sedative. After the sedative has taken effect and the donor site has been sterilized, your doctor will take a sample of bone marrow, usually from your hip bone. The sample is taken with a needle and syringe that acts as a vacuum to extract a piece of bone marrow.
Throughout the procedure, your heart rate, temperature and blood pressure will be closely monitored, as there will be some fluctuations during the process. Upon completion, you will be asked to remain still and silent until all of your vital signs have returned to normal. A bandage will be applied to the draw site and you will be given instructions on how to keep it clean and dry for at least 48 hours. You can expect some extra discomfort with this type of procedure, but it’s usually not the first option. It might be ordered if your doctor suspects your immune system has been compromised or for various other health reasons.
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