Parvovirus B19 infection is normally acquired by direct contact with respiratory secretions and normally occurs in localized outbreaks during the winter and spring months. It is now accepted that seronegative women are susceptible to parvovirus B19 infection. The majority of pregnancies during which parvovirus B19 infection occurs result in delivery of a healthy foetus at term. However, infection during pregnancy presents the risk of transmission to the foetus which may result in hydrops foetalis or intrauterine death. It is causative agent of a number of clinical conditions such as rash, arthralgia and foetal damage. Consequently, it is important to identify the parvovirus B19 antibody status in individuals who may be at risk of infection from, or who have been infected with, parvovirus B19.