Varicella-Zoster Virus Antibody, IgG

Casandra

Casandra Test Code AR59089Version 1 (DRAFT)

Performing Lab

Lab ARUP LaboratoriesLab Test ID 0050167CPT Code 86787

Varicella-Zoster Virus Antibody, IgG

Also known as: VZE

Clinical Use

Order Test

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.

Test Details

FDA Approved

New York Approved

Methodology

Immunoassay (CLIA)

Biomarkers

Varicella-Zoster Virus Antibody, IgG

Analyte

IgG Antibody Level • Concentration / Level • Quantitative (Continuous) (e.g., copies/mL, % expression)

LOINC Codes

Order Codes

5403-1

Result Codes

5403-1

Result Turnaround Time

1 day

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.