Health Lab

Test Name:

VARICELLA ZOSTER VIRUS ANTIBODY (IgM)

Test Code:

2190839

Alias:

Chicken Pox
LAB163
VZV Ab (IgM)

CPT Code(s):

86787

Preferred Specimen:

1.0 mL serum

Container:

SST (gold)

Minimum Volume:

0.2 mL serum

Collection Instructions:

Allow specimen to completely clot (this can take up to 60 minutes). Centrifuge for 15 minutes as soon as the specimen is clotted.

Transport Temperature:

Refrigerated

Stability:

Room temperature: 4 days

Refrigerated: 7 days

Frozen: 30 days

Rejection Criteria:

Gross hemolysis • Grossly lipemic • Grossly icteric

Limitations:

Other herpes viruses may cross react and produce high titers. Protection may be limited at low positive titers.

Additional Information:

Results from any one IgM assay should not be used as the 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 postinfection, 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.

Schedule:

Set up: Tues, Thurs, Sat; Report available: 3 days

Method:

Immunoassay (IA)

Performing Lab:

Quest Diagnostics, Wood Dale, #8683

Clinical Significance:

Varicella-Zoster Virus Antibody (IgM) - 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.

Use:

Updated 02/16/22

Reference Ranges:

VZV Ab (IgM)

≤0.90

Interpretive criteria

0.00-0.90	Negative
0.91-1.09	Equivocal
≥1.10	Positive

The CPT codes included in this publication are in accordance with Current Procedural Terminology, a publication of the American Medical Association. CPT codes are provided here for the convenience of our clients; however, correct coding often varies from one carrier to another, and HealthLab may bill specific carriers using codes other than those shown. Clients who bill for services should verify the code(s) with the applicable payor to confirm that their use is appropriate in each case.