Additional Information:
UFHPL Epic order code: LAB162
Although most cases of varicella or zoster are clinically unambiguous, serology may be occasionally useful in the differential diagnosis of other blistering illnesses or when infection shows an unusual complication, such as hepatitis. It may also be important to establish whether an individual is susceptible when clinical history is unclear, or when varicella immune globulin may be needed, as in the immunocompromised host or cancer patient on toxic chemotherapy. Zoster is more common with aging and may occur in the face of significant antibody titers, demonstrating that cell-mediated immunity is also significant.
CPT Code(s):
86787
Specimen Requirements:
Type: Serum
Container/Tube: Red-top tube, gel-barrier tube
Sample Volume: 0.5 mL
Minimum Volume: 0.2 mL
Storage: Refrigerate specimens immediately after collection.
Stability (collection to time of analysis/testing):
- Ambient: 2 days
- Refrigerated: 2 days
- Frozen: > 2 days
Rejection Criteria:
- Hemolysis
- Lipemia
- Gross bacterial contamination
Use:
This test is used to diagnose VZV infection and; determine adult susceptibility to infection.
Methodology:
Chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA)
Reported:
3 – 5 days
Reference Values:
Reference Intervals
- Negative: < 135 index
- Equivocal: 135 – 165 index
- Positive: > 165 index