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HelpTest Code Epic LAB163 Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV) Antibody, IgM, Serum
Additional Codes
SQ code VZABM
Mayo code VZM
Reporting Name
Varicella-Zoster Ab, IgM, SSpecimen Type
SerumPerforming Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
Useful For
Diagnosing acute-phase infection with varicella-zoster virus
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 |
Reject Due To
| Gross hemolysis | Reject |
| Gross lipemia | Reject |
| Heat-inactivated specimen | Reject |
Method Name
Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA)
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 daysForms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send Infectious Disease Serology Test Request (T916) with the specimen.