Specimen Collection Manual and Test Catalog
VARICELLA-ZOSTER VIRUS IGG ANTIBODY
Geisinger Epic Procedure Code: LAB3242 Geisinger Epic ID: 15233SPECIMEN COLLECTION
Specimen type:
Serum
Preferred collection container:
Alternate collection container:
6 mL red-top (plain, non-serum separator) tube
Specimen required:
0.5 mL serum; minimum 0.2 mL
SPECIMEN PROCESSING
Processing instructions:
Allow to clot. Centrifuge and submit 0.5 mL serum.
Transport temperature:
Refrigerated (preferred). Room temperature (stable 8 hours) and frozen specimens also acceptable.
Specimen stability:
Room temperature: 8 hours. 2-8°C: 96 hours. Frozen: 6 months.
Rejection criteria:
Specimen stability exceeded; specimen grossly hemolyzed.
TEST DETAILS
Interpretation guide:
CPT code(s):
86787 | Result | Interpretation |
| Negative | Absence of detectable VZV IgG antibodies. A negative result indicates no detectable VZV antibody but does not rule out acute infection. It should be noted that the test usually scores negative in infected persons during the incubation period and the early stages of infection. If exposure to varicella zoster virus is suspected despite a negative finding, a second sample should be collected and tested no less than one or two weeks later. |
| Positive | Presence of detectable VZV IgG antibodies. A positive result generally indicates exposure to the pathogen or administration of specific immunoglobulins, but it is not an indication of active infection or stage of disease. |
NOTE: This test is for the qualitative determination of IgG antibodies to varicella zoster virus.
Note: The billing party has sole responsibility for CPT coding. Any
questions regarding coding should be directed to the payer being billed.
The CPT codes provided by GML are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only.
The CPT codes provided by GML are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only.
Test includes:
Varicella zoster antibody IgG detection.
Methodology:
Chemiluminescence
Synonyms:
Herpes zoster, VZ, VZV, Varicella zoster IgG Ab, Chicken pox, shingles, Varicella zoster antibody IgG
Clinical significance:
Varicella zoster (VZ) is a virus of the herpes group that causes chicken pox and when reactivatede in adults causes shingles. The presence of VZ IgG antibody suggests recent or previous infection.
Doctoral Director(s):
Review Date:
12/05/2024
Benjamin Andress, PhD, DABCC
Hoi-Ying Elsie Yu, PhD, DABCC, FADLM
Hoi-Ying Elsie Yu, PhD, DABCC, FADLM
Performing Locations