Varicella serology IgG, Blood

Diagnostic Use

Varicella zoster virus (VZV) is the causative agent of chickenpox after which it establishes latency and can subsequently reactivate to cause herpes zoster (shingles).
Varicella infection can be severe in immunocompromised patients. Infections in pregnancy poses a risk to the baby.
VZ IgG assay indicates the immune status of an individual.

Department

Microbiology - Serology

Delphic Registration Code

VZVG

Synonyms

VZ immune status serology
VZ serology IgG
Chicken Pox serology
Shingles serology

Turnaround Time

2 days

Test Code

2492

Specimen Type

• Serum

Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• Serum (Red Cap)

Preferred if West Coast

• SST II (Gold Cap)

Acceptable

• SST II (Gold Cap)

Preferred Sample Volume (ml)

10.0

Minimum Sample Volume (ml)

5.0

No of Samples Required

1

Paediatric Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• Serum (Red Cap)

Acceptable

• Serum (Red Cap)
• SST II (Gold Cap)

Preferred Sample Volume (ml)

5.0

Minimum Sample Volume (ml)

2.0

Additional Specimen Information

VZ IgM is not available
The diagnosis of primary chickenpox and herpes zoster is made clinically in most cases. If necessary a dry swab of a vesicular lesion is the preferred sample for diagnosis by PCR.

Aliquot Instructions

Sample Type

• Serum

Minimum Volume (ml)

0.5

Transport to Lab

Ambient (8 - 24 degrees Celsius)
If overnight - Chilled (2 - 8 degrees Celsius)

Interpretation

The presence of VZ IgG indicates past exposure to VZ.

Reference Intervals

Reported as Negative, Equivocal or Positive

 

Test Method

EIA

Non-Funded Test Cost

$34.76 (Exclusive of GST)

Billing Code

2492

Additional Costing Information

After hours testing for pregnant women is available. Please contact Microbiologist on call.

Contact Information

Enquiry Form