1st order laboratory parameters – obligatory laboratory tests.
- Antibody detection by serologic methods such as ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) – antigen detection (IgM and IgG) [serum/liquor samples] – approximately 8 days after onset of first symptoms.
- Note: Other flavivirus infections or vaccinations may cause cross-reactions in ELISA!
- Direct virus detection using PCR (polymerase chain reaction) [blood] – usually succeeds only after several days of illness.
- Small blood count
- Differential blood count
- Liver parameters – alanine aminotransferase (ALT, GPT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST, GOT), glutamate dehydrogenase (GLDH) and gamma-glutamyl transferase (gamma-GT, GGT), alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin.
