| A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z # |
Varicella-Zoster Virus Antibody (IgM)
Test CodeVZIGM
Quest Code
8683
CPT Codes
86787
Preferred Specimen
1 mL serum
Minimum Volume
0.2 mL
Transport Temperature
Room temperature
Specimen Stability
Room temperature: 4 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 30 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 30 days
Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
Gross hemolysis • Grossly lipemic • Grossly icteric
Methodology
Immunoassay (IA)
Setup Schedule
Set up: Tues-Sat; Report Available: 1-3 days
Report Available
Maximum Laboratory Turn Around Time 4 days
Limitations
Other herpes viruses may cross react and produce high titers. Protection may be limited at low positive titers.
Reference Range
| Value | Interpretation |
| 0.00-0.90 | Negative |
| 0.91-1.09 | Equivocal |
| ≥1.10 | Positive |
Results from any one IgM assay should not be used as a sole determinant of a current or recent infection. Because an IgM test can yield false positive results and low levels of IgM antibody may persist for more than 12 months post infection, reliance on a single test result could be misleading. If an acute infection is suspected, consider obtaining a new specimen and submit for both IgG and IgM testing in two or more weeks.
Clinical Significance
Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV) causes chicken pox and when reactivated, potentially decades later, causes shingles. Twenty percent of adults will develop shingles, a rash or blister of the skin that may cause severe pain.
Performing Laboratory
| Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute-San Juan Capistrano, CA |
| 33608 Ortega Highway |
| San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675-2042 |
