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Test Code LAB1420 Varicella-Zoster Antibody, IgM and IgG, Serum

Additional Codes

Mayo Test ID
VZGM

 

Reporting Name

Varicella-Zoster Ab, IgM and IgG, S

Useful For

Laboratory diagnosis of acute and recent infection with varicella-zoster virus (VZV)

 

Determination of immune status of individuals to the VZV

 

Documentation of previous infection with VZV in an individual without a previous record of immunization to VZV

Profile Information

Test ID Reporting Name Available Separately Always Performed
VZM Varicella-Zoster Ab, IgM, S Yes Yes
VZPG Varicella-Zoster Ab, IgG, S Yes Yes

Performing Laboratory

Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester

Specimen Type

Serum


Specimen Required


Collection Container/Tube:

Preferred: Serum gel

Acceptable: Red top

Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial

Specimen Volume: 1 mL

Collection Instructions: Centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial.


Specimen Minimum Volume

0.6 mL

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time Special Container
Serum Refrigerated (preferred) 14 days
  Frozen  14 days

Reference Values

IgM

Negative

Reference values apply to all ages.

 

IgG

Vaccinated: positive (≥1.1 AI)

Unvaccinated: negative (≤0.8 AI)

Reference values apply to all ages.

Day(s) Performed

Monday through Saturday

CPT Code Information

86787-Varicella IgG

86787-Varicella IgM

LOINC Code Information

Test ID Test Order Name Order LOINC Value
VZGM Varicella-Zoster Ab, IgM and IgG, S 81234-7

 

Result ID Test Result Name Result LOINC Value
80964 Varicella-Zoster Ab, IgM, S 43588-3
VZG Varicella-Zoster Ab, IgG, S 15410-4
DEXG4 Varicella IgG Antibody Index 5403-1

Interpretation

A positive IgG result coupled with a positive IgM result suggests recent infection with varicella-zoster virus (VZV). This result should not be used alone to diagnose VZV infection and should be interpreted in the context of clinical presentation.

 

A positive IgG result coupled with a negative IgM result indicates previous vaccination to or infection with VZV. These individuals are considered to have protective immunity to reinfection.

 

A negative IgG result coupled with a negative IgM result indicates the absence of prior exposure to VZV and nonimmunity. However, a negative result does not rule-out VZV infection. The specimen may have been drawn before the appearance of detectable antibodies. Negative results in suspected early VZV infections should be followed by testing a new serum specimen in 2 to 3 weeks.

 

Equivocal results should be followed up with testing of a new serum specimen within 10 to 14 days.

Report Available

Same day/1 to 3 days

Specimen Retention Time

14 days

Reject Due To

Gross hemolysis Reject
Gross lipemia Reject
Heat-inactivated specimen Reject

Method Name

VZM: Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA)

VZPG: Multiplex Flow Immunoassay (MFI)

Test Classification

This test has been cleared, approved, or is exempt by the US Food and Drug Administration and is used per manufacturer's instructions. Performance characteristics were verified by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements.

Forms

If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send Infectious Disease Serology Test Request (T916) with the specimen.