Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV) Antibodies, IgG

Test ID: 

706395

CPT code:

86787

Synonyms:

Chickenpox Titers

Herpes Zoster Antibodies

VZV IgG

Clinical Use:

Diagnose VZV infection; determine adult susceptibility to infection

Test Information:

Although most cases of varicella or zoster are clinically unambiguous, serology may be occasionally useful in the differential diagnosis of other blistering illnesses or when infection shows an unusual complication, such as hepatitis. It may also be important to establish whether an individual is susceptible when clinical history is unclear, or when varicella immune globulin may be needed, as in the immunocompromised host or cancer patient on toxic chemotherapy. Zoster is more common with aging and may occur in the face of significant antibody titers, demonstrating that cell-mediated immunity is also significant.

Specimen Type:

Serum

Requested Volume: 

0.5 mL

Minimum Volume: 

0.2 mL

Container Type: 

Red-top tube or gel-barrier tube

Storage Instructions:

Refrigerate

Stability Requirements:

Specimen is stable for two days at room temperature or seven days refrigerated. For storage longer than seven days, freeze the specimen at less than -20°C.

Rejection Criteria

Hemolysis; lipemia; gross bacterial contamination