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VARICELLA/ZOSTER ANTIBODY, IGG: (088-0070)
Clinical Indication:

Screen for antibodies to Varicella -  zoster virus
Test Mnemonic:

 VZVG
Methodology:

Multiplex bead immunoassay
Performed:

 Clinical Microbiology
Turnaround Time:

Test is performed Monday through Friday
Specimen Requirements: Patient Preparation: Routine venipuncture

Collect: SST (Serum separator tube)

Specimen Preparation: Within two hours of collection, centrifuge

Storage/Transport: Refrigerate 2-80C

Stability: 7 days, refrigerated; indefinitely, frozen

Causes for Rejection: Insufficient quantity, gross hemolysis, lipemia.  Specimen container unlabeled or labeled incorrectly. No date and time of collection on requisition form.
Clinical Information:

 
Reference Range:

Positive - antibodies to varicella/zoster virus. Negative- no detectable antibodies to VZV
Note: This test is used to determine immunity and not acute infection.

Previously positive patients require no further testing.

If the patient has no detectable antibody, it is recommended to wait two weeks before testing again. Tests on samples collected less than two weeks from the initial negative results will be cancelled unless approved by a Microbiology Director or designee.
CPT 4 Code:

 86403
Review 2/13/2013 by Theresa Friloux

When ordering tests for which Medicare or Medicaid reimbursement will be sought, physicians should only order tests that are medically necessary for the diagnosis or treatment of the patient.  Components of the organ or disease panels may be ordered individually.  The diagnostic information must substantiate all tests ordered and must be in the form of an ICD-9 code or its verbal equivalent.

 

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