Varicella zoster IgG
Clinical Background:
This is a serological assay used to detect IgG antibodies to Varicella zoster virus (VZV). It is used to provide evidence of PAST VZV infection. IgG antibodies are produced during acute infection o...
This is a serological assay used to detect IgG antibodies to Varicella zoster virus (VZV). It is used to provide evidence of PAST VZV infection. IgG antibodies are produced during acute infection or following vaccination and persist life long. It is primarily used to document immunity in healthcare workers and in high risk patients (e.g. pregnant, immunocompromised) who have had significant contact with a case of chickenpox or shingles. It should be noted that a past history of chickenpox is regarded as sufficient evidence of immunity in the immunocompetent, in which case IgG testing is not required.
Test Details
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Discipline:
Microbiology
Microbiology
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Specimen Container Adult:
Clotted blood - Gold SST
Clotted blood - Gold SST
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Specimen Container Paediatric:
Clotted blood
Clotted blood
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Minimum Volume Adult:
5 ml
5 ml
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Minimum Volume Paediatric:
1 ml
1 ml
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Special Requirement:
Send to laboratory as quickly as possible. If delays likely, refrigerate at 2-8 deg C
Send to laboratory as quickly as possible. If delays likely, refrigerate at 2-8 deg C
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Sample Stability:
Stable for up to 24 hours
Stable for up to 24 hours
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Transport Requirements:
Standard
Standard
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Add On Test:
Possible up to 5 days
Possible up to 5 days
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Quality Assurance:
UK National External Quality Assurance Scheme (UKNEQAS)
UK National External Quality Assurance Scheme (UKNEQAS)
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Interpretation:
Positive test with positive IgM test is suggestive of recent infection. A positive IgG with a negative IgM indicates previous vaccination or infection with VZV. The results should not be used alone...
Read MorePositive test with positive IgM test is suggestive of recent infection. A positive IgG with a negative IgM indicates previous vaccination or infection with VZV. The results should not be used alone and shoud be interpreted in the context of clinical presentation
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Reference Ranges:
None noted
None noted
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Factors Affecting Result:
If delays likely, refrigerate at 2-8 deg C
If delays likely, refrigerate at 2-8 deg C