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Test Code VZM Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV) Antibody, IgM, Serum

Reporting Name

Varicella-Zoster Ab, IgM, S

Useful For

Diagnosing acute-phase infection with varicella-zoster virus

Performing Laboratory

Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester

Specimen Type

Serum


Specimen Required


Collection Container/Tube:

Preferred: Serum gel

Acceptable: Red top

Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial

Specimen Volume: 0.5 mL

Collection Instructions: Centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial.


Specimen Minimum Volume

0.2 mL

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time Special Container
Serum Refrigerated (preferred) 14 days
  Frozen  14 days

Reference Values

Negative

Reference values apply to all ages.

Day(s) Performed

Monday through Sunday

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.

CPT Code Information

86787

LOINC Code Information

Test ID Test Order Name Order LOINC Value
VZM Varicella-Zoster Ab, IgM, S 43588-3

 

Result ID Test Result Name Result LOINC Value
80964 Varicella-Zoster Ab, IgM, S 43588-3

Interpretation

A positive IgM result indicates a recent infection with varicella-zoster virus (VZV).

 

A negative result does not rule out the diagnosis of VZV infection. The specimen may have been drawn before the appearance of detectable antibodies. Negative results in suspected early VZV infection should be followed by testing a new specimen in 2 to 3 weeks.

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. Flamholc L: Neurological complications in herpes zoster. Scand J Infect Dis. 1996;100:35-40

5. 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 days

Method Name

Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA)

Forms

If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send Infectious Disease Serology Test Request (T916) with the specimen.