ARUP's Laboratory Test Directory

Varicella-Zoster Virus Antibody, IgM : 0099314

Mnemonic: VZM

Methodology: Semi-Quantitative Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
Performed: Mon-Fri
Reported: 1-5 days
Specimen Required: Collect: Serum separator tube.

Specimen Preparation: Separate serum from cells ASAP or within 2 hours of collection. Transfer 1 mL serum to 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: Contaminated, heat-inactivated, hemolyzed, icteric, or severely lipemic 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:
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.
CPT Code(s): 86787
Cross References: Chicken Pox (Varicella-Zoster Virus Antibody, IgM), Herpes Zoster (Varicella-Zoster Virus Antibody, IgM), Shingles (Varicella-Zoster Virus Antibody, IgM), VZV Antibody, IgM (Varicella-Zoster Virus Antibody, IgM)