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HelpTest Code LAB163 Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV) Antibody, IgM, Serum
Additional Codes
VZM
Useful For
Diagnosing acute-phase infection with varicella-zoster virus
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.
On-campus collections: Tube to 99 or deliver to University Extension Hospital Room EH318. Submit serum in plastic vial, Refrigerated.
Off-campus collections: Centrifuge and aliquot within 2 hours. Specimen to be stored/transported at Refrigerated temp.
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
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.
Method Description
The presence or absence of IgM-class antibody to varicella-zoster virus (VZV) is determined by an indirect immunofluorescence assay. Serum is incubated with VZV antigen that is adhered to a glass microscope slide. Antibodies, if present, will bind to the antigen forming stable antigen-antibody complexes. If no antibodies are present, the complexes will not be formed, and the serum components will be washed away. Fluorescein-labeled antihuman-IgM antibody is added to the reaction side and binds to IgM antibodies if present. This results in a positive reaction of bright apple-green fluorescence when viewed with a fluorescence microscope.(Package insert: Bion Varicella Zoster Antigen Substrate Slide. Bion Enterprises; 09/2019)
Report Available
Same day/1 to 3 daysSpecimen Retention Time
14 daysReject Due To
| Gross hemolysis | Reject |
| Gross lipemia | Reject |
| Heat-inactivated specimen | Reject |
Method Name
Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA)
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send Infectious Disease Serology Test Request (T916) with the specimen.