Varicella zoster virus (VZV) antibodies, IgM

Alphabetical Test listing

Varicella zoster virus (VZV) antibodies, IgM-13374

Test name:

Test number:

13374

Excellian order number:

LAB13374

Abbreviation:

VZVIGM

Alternate names:

Chickenpox
VZV IgM

Useful for:

Detect IgM antibodies specific for VZV. These IgM antibodies, if present, can help confirm a diagnosis of VZV acute infection. The IgM response to VZV can be detected at seven days postinfection and usually peaks at 14 days. If a patient presents more than nine days after the appearance of a rash, this assay should not be used.

Specimen type:

Serum

Collection container:

Gold serum separator (SST) tube

Volume:

1.0 mL

Minimum volume:

0.25 mL

Collection instructions:

Immediately following collection, thoroughly mix sample by gently inverting 5 times

Processing instructions:

Allow sample to clot for a minimum of 30 minutes
Spin within two (2) hours of sample collection

Transport container:

Gold serum separator (SST) tube

Alternate collection container:

Red serum vial/tube - 5 mL

Alternate processing instructions:

Allow sample to clot
Spin
Transfer serum to a Transfer vial/tube with cap - 12mL (LabCorp), labelled as serum, within two (2) hours of sample collection

Alternate transport container:

Transfer vial/tube with cap - 12mL (LabCorp)

Transport and stability:

Ambient (preferred) - 14 days

Refrigerated - 14 days

Frozen - 14 days

Freeze/thaw cycles - stable x3

Reason for rejection:

Hemolysis
Lipemia
Gross bacterial contamination
Plasma samples

Performing lab:

LabCorp Burlington (096776): R-LC

Days set up:

Mo - Fr

TAT:

5 days

Method:

Enzyme immunoassay (EIA)

Reference ranges:

Negative: <0.91 index

Borderline: 0.91−1.09 index

Positive: >1.09 index

CPT codes:

86787

LOINC code:

Result 5404-9

Date created:

04/11/2019

Revised date:

04/08/2022

Review date:

03/31/2022