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 Zost Ab IgM 8683X

Test Code
VZM


Alias/See Also
VZM


CPT Codes
86787

Includes
Chicken Pox


Preferred Specimen
1 mL serum


Minimum Volume
1


Instructions
Draw one SST and send serum refrigerated


Transport Container
SST


Transport Temperature
R


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.


Reference Range
VZV Ab (IgM) ≤0.90
Interpretive criteria
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
14225 Newbrook Drive
Chantilly, VA 20153



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.