Zika Virus Viral Load Quantitative Test
Short Name: Zika Viral Load
Also known as: Zika Virus PCR Quantitative, Zika Viral Load Test, Zika RNA Quantification
Zika Virus Viral Load Quantitative Test test available at DNA Labs India for ₹11,560. Uses Real-Time PCR (RT-PCR) on Serum, plasma, whole blood, CSF, urine, amniotic fluid, tissue samples. Results in Reports are typically available within 4 working days. You will receive an email and WhatsApp notification once the report is ready.. Free home collection in 300+ cities across India.
🩺 Medically Reviewed By
Dr Kothari Ramesh Shantilal
Consultant Microbiologist · Reg: 27670
Last reviewed: September 7, 2026
Overview
The primary purpose of the Zika Virus Viral Load Quantitative Test is to detect the presence of Zika virus RNA and measure the viral load in a patient's sample. This aids in: 1) Confirming active Zika virus infection, especially in symptomatic individuals with recent travel to endemic areas. 2) Monitoring viral load dynamics in pregnant women exposed to the virus, which helps assess the risk of fetal transmission. 3) Evaluating the effectiveness of antiviral therapy or immune response in clinical trials. 4) Differentiating Zika from other flavivirus infections like dengue and chikungunya, which present with similar symptoms. 5) Guiding public health interventions and outbreak control measures.
- Test Code
- 6255
- CPT Code
- 87798
- ICD Code
- A92.5
- Price
- ₹11,560
- Sample Type
- Serum, plasma, whole blood, CSF, urine, amniotic fluid, tissue
- Result Time
- Reports are typically available within 4 working days. You will receive an email and WhatsApp notification once the report is ready.
- Fasting Required
- No
- Method
- Real-Time PCR (RT-PCR)
Sample Collection
No special preparation is required. However, patients should inform the healthcare provider about any medications, recent travel, or potential exposure. A signed consent document is mandatory.
Method: Venipuncture or sterile collection
Laboratory Analysis
Blood sample is drawn from a vein in the arm. For urine or CSF, sterile collection procedures are followed. The procedure is quick and minimally invasive.
Report Delivery
No specific aftercare is needed. Patients can resume normal activities immediately. The sample is transported to the laboratory under cold chain conditions.
Timeline: Reports are typically available within 4 working days. You will receive an email and WhatsApp notification once the report is ready.
Patient Instructions
About This Test
Who Should Get This Test
The primary purpose of the Zika Virus Viral Load Quantitative Test is to detect the presence of Zika virus RNA and measure the viral load in a patient's sample. This aids in: 1) Confirming active Zika virus infection, especially in symptomatic individuals with recent travel to endemic areas. 2) Monitoring viral load dynamics in pregnant women exposed to the virus, which helps assess the risk of fetal transmission. 3) Evaluating the effectiveness of antiviral therapy or immune response in clinical trials. 4) Differentiating Zika from other flavivirus infections like dengue and chikungunya, which present with similar symptoms. 5) Guiding public health interventions and outbreak control measures.
How to Prepare
- Ensure the patient has signed the consent form.
- Collect blood in an EDTA tube for plasma or plain tube for serum.
- For urine, collect midstream urine in a sterile container.
- Label the sample with patient ID and collection time.
- Transport the sample to the laboratory at 2-8°C within 24 hours.
Doctor's Notes
Reviewed by Dr Kothari Ramesh Shantilal — MBBS, MD (Microbiology) · Reg. No. 27670
"Quantitative viral load testing for Zika is crucial in pregnant women and symptomatic individuals with travel history. Early detection helps in monitoring and management."
Last medically reviewed: September 7, 2026
Test Parameters & Specifications
Sample Stability
- Hemolyzed or lipemic samples
- Insufficient sample volume
- Improper labeling
- Samples not stored or transported under appropriate conditions
- Samples collected after 14 days of symptom onset (may be rejected for blood, but urine may still be acceptable)
Understanding Your Results
Detected (with viral load value)
Active Zika virus infection. The viral load may correlate with disease severity and risk of transmission. In pregnant women, this indicates potential risk to the fetus, and further monitoring is required.
Not Detected
No Zika virus RNA detected in the sample. This may indicate no current infection, or the sample may have been collected outside the viremic window. If clinical suspicion remains high, repeat testing or serological testing may be considered.
Consult a doctor immediately if you experience symptoms of Zika virus, especially if you are pregnant or have recently traveled to an area with active Zika transmission. Early diagnosis is crucial for appropriate management and prevention of complications.
Limitations
- ⚠Negative result does not rule out infection if sample is collected after the viremic window.
- ⚠Viral load may be low and below the limit of detection in some cases.
- ⚠Test cannot differentiate between viable and non-viable virus.
- ⚠Results should be interpreted in conjunction with clinical findings and travel history.
Risks & Considerations
- ●Minimal risk of bleeding, bruising, or infection at the needle site
- ●Fainting or dizziness during blood collection
- ●Hematoma formation (rare)
Interfering Factors
- ●Sample collection during the acute phase (within 7 days of symptom onset) is optimal; after this period, RNA may be undetectable in blood but may persist in urine.
- ●Cross-reactivity with other flaviviruses (e.g., dengue, yellow fever) may occur in serological tests, but PCR is highly specific.
- ●Improper sample handling or storage can degrade RNA, leading to false-negative results.
- ●Recent vaccination against flaviviruses may cause false-positive serology, but not PCR.
Compare With Similar Tests
| Test | Zika Virus Viral Load Quantitative Test | Zika Virus RNA Qualitative Real-Time RT-PCR | Zika IgM Antibody Capture ELISA | Zika Neutralizing Antibody Test |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comparison | Zika Virus Viral Load Quantitative Test |
Frequently Asked Questions
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When should I get tested for Zika virus?
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We serve as a reference laboratory for hospitals and clinics across India. Send samples from your facility with same-day pickup, priority processing, and results delivered through our online portal. Competitive institutional pricing available.
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