To diagnose active viral disease with serologic methods, the specimen of choice would be

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An immune status test measures whether a particular virus has previously infected a patient. A positive result with a sensitive, virus-specific IgG test indicates past infection. Some immune status tests include methods that detect both IgG and IgM, to detect recent or active infections. To help diagnose active disease, two approaches are helpful. Detection of virus-specific IgM in an acute-phase specimen collected at least 7 to 14 days after the onset of infection indicates current, or very recent, disease. Detection of a fourfold (or equivalent increase if twofold dilutions are not tested) antibody titer rise between acute and convalescent sera also indicates current or recent disease. Acute-phase serum should be collected as soon as possible after onset of symptoms. The convalescent specimen should be collected 2 to 3 weeks after the acute.

To Diagnose Active Viral Disease with Serologic Methods, the Specimen