Test Overview
Multiplex Flow Immunoassay
Support the diagnosis of Varicella Zoster virus infection. The presence of IgG antibody generally indicates past exposure and immunity. Single IgG levels are not useful for supporting the diagnosis of acute infection. Elevated levels in neonates should be followed up with studies to rule out the presence of maternal antibodies.
NEGATIVE: No Varicella zoster (VZV) IgG antibodies detected. Patient is presumed not to have previous exposure through infection or vaccination. A negative result does not rule out acute infection. The test can be negative in infected patients during the incubation period and the early stages of infection. If exposure to varicella zoster virus is suspected, a second sample should be collected and tested 1-2 weeks later. EQUIVOCAL: A second sample should be collected and tested. POSITIVE: Varicella zoster (VZV) IgG antibodies detected. Patient may have been exposed to VZV through infection and/or vaccination. It is not an indication of active infection or stage of disease.
* Reference ranges may change over time. Please refer to the original patient report when evaluating results.
A primary Herpes simplex infection can stimulate a heterologous antibody response in individuals previously infected by VZV. The absence of a significant antibody rise does not necessarily rule out VZV infection. The performance characteristics of this test have not been established for CSF, neonates, infants or cord blood. This is a qualitative test; quantitation for comparison of acute and convalescent sera has not been validated by the manufacturer of the current test system. Result values from different methodologies or from different institutions cannot be compared. Timing of specimen collection for paired sera is critical. In some patients, antibody may rise to significant levels and fall again to lower or undetectable levels within a month. Other patients may not develop significant antibody levels.
Test Details
8 hours
- Chicken Pox Antibody, IgG
- Shingles Antibody, IgG
- Viral Antibody: Varicella zoster IgG
- VZV, IgG
- VZV IgG, Index
Specimen Requirements
Collect specimen in an SST (preferred) or red top tube. Centrifuge, aliquot serum into a plastic vial and refrigerate. Post-vaccination samples should be collected 4-6 weeks from the date of vaccination.
Additional Information
Index values are not reported.