Varicella-Zoster Virus Antibodies (IgG, IgM)

Test Code
LAB34128Q


Quest Code
34128


CPT Codes
86787 (x2)

Preferred Specimen
1.5 mL serum


Minimum Volume
1 mL


Transport Container
Transport tube


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)

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
Varicella-Zoster Virus Antibody (IgG)
Signal to Cut-off  
S/CO

Interpretation
<1.00Negative - Antibody not detected
≥1.00Positive - 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. A more sensitive test for vaccination-induced immunity is Varicella Zoster Virus Antibody Immunity Screen, ACIF.

Varicella-Zoster Virus Antibody (IgM)
ValueInterpretation
0.00-0.90Negative
0.91-1.09Equivocal
≥1.10Positive

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.


Performing Laboratory
Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute-San Juan Capistrano, CA
33608 Ortega Highway
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675-2042




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.