Test directory: Leptospira Antibody, IgM

Ordering Code 354
Test Name Leptospira Antibody, IgM
Alias Leptospirosis IgM
Preferred Specimen Serum
Preferred Container SST (Gold)
Other Specimen/Container Serum in Plain (Red)
Optimum Volume 3 mL
Collection Instructions A State Laboratories Division Requisition form 81.3 must be filled out including (but not limited to): Patient identifier, name and address of submitter, type of specimen, date of collection, date of onset and test requested
Note: All specimens for Leptospira antibody testing will first be tested by the dipstick test procedure. Only paired serum samples (acute and convalescent) or single serum samples collected 14 days or more from the date of onset will be submitted for the Leptospira Microscopic
Agglutination Test.
Handling Instructions SST tubes must be centrifuged. If collecting in a Plain (Red), centrifuge and aliquot before sending.
Transport Requirements Oahu: Refrigerated
Airline: Refrigerated
Rejection Criteria Contaminated, Hemolyzed, Lipemic, Ambient, Illegible or incomplete requisition forms
Avail. Stat NO
Analytic Time Up to 7 Days
Methodology Enzyme Immunoassay
Reference Lab  Dept of Health

Reference range(s)

The reference ranges listed below are valid on this date of June 29, 2025.
Component Age Male Norm Male Critical Low Male Critical High Female Norm Female Critical High Female Critical Low Units Add'l info
Leptospira Antibody, IgM ALL

INTERPRETIVE...
INTERPRETIVE CRITERIA:
Negative:
Serum samples interpreted as negative indicate that antibody is not present in the sample, or is below the detection level of the method. Since antibodies may not be present during early disease, submission of a second serum sample 2-3 weeks later is recommended. An initially negative result followed by a positive result indicates IgM sero-conversion

Borderline Positive:
Borderline positive serum samples should be cautiously interpreted. Submission of a second serum sample is recommended. If this second sample remains borderline positive, a second serological method should be considered if leptospirosis infection is still suspected

Positive:
Serum samples interpreted as strongly positive may indicate the presence of specific antibody. Antibody presence alone cannot be used for the diagnosis of recent infection because antibodies from prior exposure may circulate for a prolonged period of time. Submission of a second serum sample is recommended

AS OF AUGUST 29, 2001, METHODOLOGY CHANGED FROM IFA TO
DOT ELISA
TEST PERFORMED BY DOT-ELISA AT HAWAII DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
See report.
Note1
DOH Report Date ALL See report.

Note1:


INTERPRETIVE CRITERIA:
Negative:
Serum samples interpreted as negative indicate that antibody is not present in the sample, or is below the detection level of the method. Since antibodies may not be present during early disease, submission of a second serum sample 2-3 weeks later is recommended. An initially negative result followed by a positive result indicates IgM sero-conversion

Borderline Positive:
Borderline positive serum samples should be cautiously interpreted. Submission of a second serum sample is recommended. If this second sample remains borderline positive, a second serological method should be considered if leptospirosis infection is still suspected

Positive:
Serum samples interpreted as strongly positive may indicate the presence of specific antibody. Antibody presence alone cannot be used for the diagnosis of recent infection because antibodies from prior exposure may circulate for a prolonged period of time. Submission of a second serum sample is recommended

AS OF AUGUST 29, 2001, METHODOLOGY CHANGED FROM IFA TO
DOT ELISA
TEST PERFORMED BY DOT-ELISA AT HAWAII DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
See report..