ARUP's Laboratory Test Directory

Varicella-Zoster Virus Antibody, IgG : 0050167

Mnemonic: VZE

Methodology: Semi-Quantitative Chemiluminescent Immunoassay
Performed: Sun - Sat
Reported: Within 24 hours
Specimen Required: Collect: Serum separator tube.

Specimen Preparation: Separate serum from cells ASAP or within 2 hours of collection. Transfer 1 mL serum an ARUP Standard Transport Tube. (Min: 0.1 mL) 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."

Storage/Transport Temperature: Refrigerated.

Unacceptable Conditions: CSF (refer to Varicella-Zoster Virus Antibody, IgG, CSF, ARUP test code 0054444). Body fluids, plasma, urine. Contaminated, heat-inactivated, hemolyzed, lipemic, or severely icteric specimens.

Stability (collection to initiation of testing): After separation from cells: Ambient: 48 hours; Refrigerated: 2 weeks; Frozen: 1 year (avoid repeated freeze/thaw cycles)
Reference Interval:
Effective August 20, 2012

134 IV or less: Negative - No significant level of detectable varicella-zoster IgG antibody.
135-165 IV: Equivocal - Repeat testing in 10-14 days may be helpful.
166 IV or greater: Positive - IgG antibody to varicella-zoster detected, which may indicate a current or past varicella-zoster infection.
Interpretive Data: The best evidence for current infection is a significant change on two appropriately timed specimens, where both tests are done in the same laboratory at the same time.
CPT Code(s): 86787
Cross References: Chickenpox (Varicella-Zoster Virus Antibody, IgG), Herpes Zoster (Varicella-Zoster Virus Antibody, IgG), Shingles (Varicella-Zoster Virus Antibody, IgG), VZV Antibody, IgG (Varicella-Zoster Virus Antibody, IgG)