Serum Anti Leptospiral IgM

Specimen Required

3-5cc Clotted Blood or Serum

Fasting Required

Purpose of the Serum Anti Leptospiral IgM Test

The serum anti-leptospiral IgM test is used to diagnose a recent or acute infection with the bacterium Leptospira, which can cause the disease leptospirosis.

When this Serum Anti Leptospiral IgM test is required

The test may be requested if you have symptoms of leptospirosis, such as fever, headache, muscle aches, and/or vomiting, and have been exposed to areas or situations where leptospirosis is common, such as working or swimming in contaminated water, handling animals, or living in rural areas.

What the Serum Anti Leptospiral IgM Test Detects

The serum anti-leptospiral IgM test measures the level of anti-leptospiral IgM antibodies in your blood. These antibodies are produced by your immune system in response to an infection with the bacterium Leptospira, which can cause the disease leptospirosis.

Preparation for the Serum Anti Leptospiral IgM Test

No special preparation is required for this test. However, it’s important to inform your healthcare provider of any medications you are taking, as some medications can affect the test results.

Sample Requirements

To perform the test, a sample of blood is taken from a vein in your arm and sent to a laboratory for analysis. The test measures the level of anti-leptospiral IgM antibodies in your blood, which are produced by your immune system in response to a leptospiral infection.

Additional Notes

It’s important to note that the test is not used to diagnose chronic or past infections with Leptospira, as the IgM antibodies are only present in the blood for a few weeks after the infection. In these cases, a different test, such as the serum anti-leptospiral IgG test, may be used. No special preparation is required for the test. However, it’s important to inform your healthcare provider of any medications you are taking, as some medications can affect the test results.

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