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HelpTest Code VZPG Varicella-Zoster Antibody, IgG, Serum
Reporting Name
Varicella-Zoster Ab, IgG, SUseful For
Determination of immune status of individuals to the varicella-zoster virus (VZV)
Documentation of previous infection with VZV in an individual without a previous record of immunization to VZV
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: 0.5 mL
Collection Instructions: Centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial.
Specimen Minimum Volume
0.4 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
|---|---|---|---|
| Serum | Refrigerated (preferred) | 14 days | |
| Frozen | 14 days |
Reference Values
Vaccinated: Positive (≥1.1 AI)
Unvaccinated: Negative (≤0.8 AI)
Reference values apply to all ages.
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Saturday
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 |
|---|---|---|
| VZPG | Varicella-Zoster Ab, IgG, S | 15410-4 |
| Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| VZG | Varicella-Zoster Ab, IgG, S | 15410-4 |
| DEXG4 | Varicella IgG Antibody Index | 5403-1 |
Interpretation
Positive: Antibody index (AI) value of 1.1 or higher:
The reported AI value is for reference only. This is a qualitative test, and the numeric value of the AI is not indicative of the amount of antibody present. AI values above the manufacturer recommended cutoff for this assay indicate that specific antibodies were detected, suggesting prior exposure or vaccination. The presence of detectable IgG-class antibodies indicates prior exposure to the varicella-zoster virus (VZV) through infection or immunization. Individuals testing positive are considered immune to varicella-zoster.
Equivocal: AI 0.9-1.0
Submit an additional specimen for testing in 10 to 14 days to demonstrate IgG seroconversion if recently vaccinated or if otherwise clinically indicated.
Negative: AI of 0.8 or lower
The absence of detectable IgG-class antibodies suggests no prior exposure to the VZV or the lack of a specific immune response to immunization.
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
Multiplex Flow Immunoassay (MFI)
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send 1 of the following forms with the specimen:
-General Request (T239)