Varicella-Zoster Antibody, IgM

Label Mnemonic:	VZM
Epic code:	LAB4230
Order form:	Laboratory Requisition
Supply order:	Supply Order Form
Billing:	Billing Policies
CPT code:	86787

Specimen(s):

Serum

Collection Medium:

Red top tube 5 mL (Clot Activator)

Minimum:

Preferred Minimum: 1 mL serum in a red top tube
Absolute Minimum: 0.1 mL serum in a red top tube

Rejection Criteria:

Contaminated, heat-inactivated, hemolyzed, icteric, or severely lipemic specimens.

Turn Around Time:

1-5 days upon receipt at reference laboratory

Reference Range:

0.90 ISR or less: Negative-No significant level of detectable varicella- zoster virus IgM antibody.

0.91-1.09 ISR: Equivocal-Repeat testing in 10-14 days may be helpful.

1.10 ISR or greater: Positive-Significant level of detectable varicella- zoster virus IgM antibody. Indicative of current or recent infection. However, low levels of IgM antibodies may occasionally persist for more than 12 months post-infection or immunization.

Methodology:

Semi-Quantitative Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay

Instructions:

Parallel testing is preferred and convalescent specimens must be received within 30 days from receipt of the acute specimens. Mark specimens plainly as "acute" or "convalescent."

Sample Processing:

Centrifuge within two hours of draw time.
Transfer serum into new screw-capped plastic vial.
Label transport tube with patient last name, first name, identification number, date and time of collection.

Sample Storage:

Refrigerate up to 8 days or freeze.

Transport Instructions:

Transport in cooler with refrigerated coolant packs.