Varicella-Zoster Virus Antibodies (IgG, IgM)

Test Code

34128

CPT Codes
86787 (x2)

Preferred Specimen

1.5 mL serum

Minimum Volume

1 mL

Transport Container

Plastic screw-cap vial

Transport Temperature

Room temperature

Specimen Stability

Room temperature: 4 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 a.m.; Report available: Next day

Limitations

Other herpes viruses may cross react and produce high titers. Protection may be limited at low positive titers. Antibodies persist after infection has been treated or becomes dormant.

Reference Range

VZV Ab (IgG)

<135.00	Negative - Antibody not detected
135.00-164.99	Equivocal
≥165.00	Positive - Antibody detected

A positive result indicates that the patient has antibody to VZV but does not differentiate between an active or past infection. The clinical diagnosis must be interpreted in conjunction with the clinical signs and symptoms of the patient. This assay reliably measures immunity due to previous infection but may not be sensitive enough to detect antibodies induced by vaccination. Thus, a negative result in a vaccinated individual does not necessarily indicate susceptibility to VZV infection.

VZV Ab (IgM)

0.00-0.90	Negative
0.91-1.09	Equivocal
≥1.10	Positive

Clinical Significance

Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV) causes chickenpox 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.

The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.