Varicella-Zoster Antibody, IgM and IgG, Serum
Use
This test is useful for the laboratory diagnosis of acute and recent infection with varicella-zoster virus (VZV), determination of immune status of individuals to VZV, and documentation of previous infection with VZV in individuals without a previous record of immunization. The presence of IgM-class antibodies to VZV is suggestive of acute or recent infection, while the presence of IgG-class antibodies indicates previous vaccination or infection.
Special Instructions
Not provided.
Limitations
Interpreting results from cord blood, neonates, or immunocompromised individuals requires caution. Testing for IgM-class antibodies should be limited to patients with clinically compatible disease. Performance in individuals vaccinated with the VZV (OKA strain) is not established. Up to one-third of individuals with primary HSV infections who had prior VZV infection show a heterotypic antibody response to VZV antigen, making differential diagnosis between VZV and HSV difficult without clear clinical findings. IgG-class antibodies may be present in serum specimens from individuals who received blood products recently but were not immunized or infected with VZV. Specimens collected early during acute infection or soon after vaccination may test negative for IgM- or IgG-class antibodies.
New York Approved
Methodology
Immunoassay
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 81234-7 - VZV IgG+IgM Pnl SerPl
- 43588-3 - VZV IgM Ser Ql IF
- 15410-4 - VZV IgG Ser Ql IA
- 5403-1 - VZV IgG Ser IA-aCnc
Result Turnaround Time
1-3 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
1 mL
Minimum Volume
0.6 mL
Container
Plastic vial
Collection Instructions
Centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial.
Causes for Rejection
Gross hemolysis, gross lipemia, gross icterus, heat-inactivated specimen
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Refrigerated | 14 days |
| Frozen | 14 days |