Varicella-Zoster Antibody, IgM and IgG, Serum

Casandra

Casandra Test Code MC96972Version 1 (DRAFT)

Performing Lab

Lab Mayo Clinic LabLab Test ID VZGMCPT Code 86787

Varicella-Zoster Antibody, IgM and IgG, Serum

Clinical Use

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

If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send the Infectious Disease Serology Test Request form with the specimen. The test is cleared, approved, or is exempt by the FDA and performed according to the manufacturer's instructions.

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.

Test Details

New York Approved