Varicella-Zoster Virus Antibody, IgG
Also known as: VZE
Use
The Varicella-Zoster Virus Antibody, IgG test is used to provide evidence of vaccination or past infection with the varicella-zoster virus. This is important for determining a patient's immunization status and assessing potential susceptibility to the virus. The test detects the presence of IgG antibodies that suggest either a current or past infection with varicella-zoster virus (the virus responsible for chickenpox and shingles).
Special Instructions
The test should ideally involve parallel testing with appropriately timed specimens (acute and convalescent), which must be received within 30 days from the receipt of the acute specimens. Proper labeling of specimens as acute or convalescent is required for accurate interpretation.
Limitations
This test may not indicate a recent infection as it is based on IgG antibody detection, which may not peak until several weeks after infection. False negatives can occur if the specimen does not contain detectable levels of IgG antibodies. Interpretation should be considered cautiously if samples are outside the optimal collection timeline or if there is a failure to separate serum from cells promptly. Grossly hemolyzed, lipemic, or severely icteric specimens may be unacceptable.
FDA ApprovedNew York Approved
Methodology
Immunoassay (CLIA)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 5403-1
- 5403-1
Result Turnaround Time
1 day
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
1 mL
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Container
Serum separator tube (SST)
Collection Instructions
Allow specimen to clot completely at room temperature. Separate from cells ASAP or within 2 hours of collection. Transfer serum to an ARUP standard transport tube.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerated
Causes for Rejection
Contaminated, heat-inactivated, grossly hemolyzed, lipemic, or severely icteric specimens.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 48 hours |
| Refrigerated | 2 weeks |
| Frozen | 1 year |