Varicella-Zoster Virus IgG Antibody Detection
| Order Code: | VZSC |
| Order Form: | Laboratory Requisition |
Specimen:
Serum
Collection Medium:
 |
| Red top tube |
Minimum:
3 mL; red top tube
Rejection Criteria:
Hemolyzed, icteric or Lipemic specimens, plasma specimens.
Testing
Schedule:
Test performed on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
Analytic Time:
3 days
Reference Range:
See Interpretive Data
Interpretive Data:
Negative - No significant level of detectable varicella-zoster IgG
antibody
Equivocal - Repeat testing in 7-14 days may be helpful
Positive - IgG antibody to varicella-zoster detected, which may indicate a current or past varicella-zoster infection. Positive IgG antibody levels in the absence of current clinical symptoms may indicate immunity.
Equivocal - Repeat testing in 7-14 days may be helpful
Positive - IgG antibody to varicella-zoster detected, which may indicate a current or past varicella-zoster infection. Positive IgG antibody levels in the absence of current clinical symptoms may indicate immunity.
Test
Limitations:
The results of the test are qualitative and should be considered as
either positive or negative for the presence of antibodies against
varicella-zoster virus. Patients with a current primary infection of
varicella may not begin producing measurable concentrations of anti-
varicella antibodies until several days after infection. The best
evidence for current infection is a significant change of two
appropriately timed specimens, where both tests are done in the same
laboratory at the same time. The presence of anti-varicella IgG
antibodies indicates prior exposure to the virus but does not exclude
the possibility of an ongoing infection. Quantitative testing on acute
and convalescent phase paired sera or an assay for the presence of IgM
varicella antibodies may be helpful in diagnosing recent
infection.
A positive test result in immunocompromised patients receiving prophylactic treatment with zoster immune serum globulin or zoster immune plasma may not be indicative of prior infection with VZV. Interference may be encountered with certain sera containing antibodies directed against reagent components. For this reason, assay results should be interpreted taking into consideration the patient's history, and the results of any other tests performed.
A positive test result in immunocompromised patients receiving prophylactic treatment with zoster immune serum globulin or zoster immune plasma may not be indicative of prior infection with VZV. Interference may be encountered with certain sera containing antibodies directed against reagent components. For this reason, assay results should be interpreted taking into consideration the patient's history, and the results of any other tests performed.
Methodology:
Enzyme Linked Fluorescent Immunoassay (ELFA)
Sample
Processing:
Label transport tube with two patient identifiers, date and time of collection.
Aliquot serum into labeled container and cap.
Centrifuge at 3000 RPM for 10 minutes.
Centrifuge within one hour of draw time.
Aliquot serum into labeled container and cap.
Centrifuge at 3000 RPM for 10 minutes.
Centrifuge within one hour of draw time.
Sample
Storage:
Refrigerate serum 2-8°C.
Transport
Instructions:
Place requisition into outside pocket of bag.
Place specimen into zip-lock type bag, seal bag.
Use refrigerated coolant packs.
Place specimen into zip-lock type bag, seal bag.
Use refrigerated coolant packs.
CPT Code:
86787