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HelpTest Code VZGM Varicella-Zoster Antibody, IgM and IgG, Serum
Reporting Name
Varicella-Zoster Ab, IgM and IgG, SUseful For
Laboratory diagnosis of acute and recent infection with varicella-zoster virus (VZV)
Determination of immune status of individuals to the VZV
Documentation of previous infection with VZV in an individual without a previous record of immunization to VZV
Profile Information
| Test ID | Reporting Name | Available Separately | Always Performed |
|---|---|---|---|
| VZM | Varicella-Zoster Ab, IgM, S | Yes | Yes |
| VZPG | Varicella-Zoster Ab, IgG, S | Yes | Yes |
Performing Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
Specimen Type
SerumSpecimen Required
Collection Container/Tube:
Preferred: Serum gel
Acceptable: Red top
Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial
Specimen Volume: 1 mL
Collection Instructions: Centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial.
Specimen Minimum Volume
0.6 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
|---|---|---|---|
| Serum | Refrigerated (preferred) | 14 days | |
| Frozen | 14 days |
Reference Values
IgM
Negative
Reference values apply to all ages.
IgG
Vaccinated: positive (≥1.1 AI)
Unvaccinated: negative (≤0.8 AI)
Reference values apply to all ages.
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Saturday
CPT Code Information
86787-Varicella IgG
86787-Varicella IgM
LOINC Code Information
| Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| VZGM | Varicella-Zoster Ab, IgM and IgG, S | 81234-7 |
| Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| 80964 | Varicella-Zoster Ab, IgM, S | 43588-3 |
| VZG | Varicella-Zoster Ab, IgG, S | 15410-4 |
| DEXG4 | Varicella IgG Antibody Index | 5403-1 |
Interpretation
A positive IgG result coupled with a positive IgM result suggests recent infection with varicella-zoster virus (VZV). This result should not be used alone to diagnose VZV infection and should be interpreted in the context of clinical presentation.
A positive IgG result coupled with a negative IgM result indicates previous vaccination to or infection with VZV. These individuals are considered to have protective immunity to reinfection.
A negative IgG result coupled with a negative IgM result indicates the absence of prior exposure to VZV and nonimmunity. However, a negative result does not rule-out VZV infection. The specimen may have been drawn before the appearance of detectable antibodies. Negative results in suspected early VZV infections should be followed by testing a new serum specimen in 2 to 3 weeks.
Equivocal results should be followed up with testing of a new serum specimen within 10 to 14 days.
Clinical Reference
1. Yankowitz J, Grose C: Congenital infections. In: Storch GA, ed. Essentials of diagnostic virology. Churchill Livingstone; 2000:187-201
2. Gnann JW, Whitley RJ: Herpes Zoster. N Engl J Med. 2002 Aug 1;347(5):340-346
3. Cvjetkovic D, Jovanovic J, Hrnjakovic-Cvjetkovic I, et al: Reactivation of herpes zoster infection by varicella-zoster virus. Med Pregl. 1999 Mar-May;52(3):125-128
4. Whitely RJ: Chickenpox and Herpes Zoster (Varicella-Zoster virus). In Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 9th ed. Elsevier; 2020: 1849-1856
Report Available
Same day/1 to 3 daysMethod Name
VZM: Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA)
VZPG: Multiplex Flow Immunoassay (MFI)
Test Classification
This test has been cleared, approved, or is exempt by the US Food and Drug Administration and is used per manufacturer's instructions. Performance characteristics were verified by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements.Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send Infectious Disease Serology Test Request (T916) with the specimen.