Public Health and Environmental Laboratories

Harvest Order Choice: 90219

Synonyms: VZV IgM Test

Zeus ELISA Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV) IgM Test

Program: Virology

Unit: Viral Serology

Useful For: Qualitative determination of IgM antibodies to Varicella-Zoster in human sera as an aid in the diagnosis of primary infection or reacctivation

Method: Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay

Charge: N/A

Request Form: SRD-1

Container/ Tube: Serum separator tubes

Type: Serum

Volume: 2-5 ml

Collection Instructions: Venipuncture

Storage: Specimen should be sealed tightly to avoid leakage. Store sample at room temperature for no longer than 8 hours. If testing is not performed within 8 hours, sera may be stored between 2-8 C, for no longer than 48 hours. If a delay in testing is anticipated, store sera at -20 C or lower. Avoid multiple freeze/thaw cycles which may cause loss of anybody activity and give erroneous results.

Causes for Rejection: Specimens with obvious microbial contamination, specimens other than human sera, grossly lipemic, hemolyzed, or icteric serum.

Interpretation: Specimens with index values/OD ratios ≤0.90 are reported as negative. Specimens with index values/OD ratios 0.91 to 1.09 are reported as equivocal specimens. Specimens with index values/OD ratios ≥1.10 are reported as positive.

Reference Interval: Negative

Limitations: Do not make a diagnosis based on ZEUS ELIZA VZV IgM Test System results alone. Interpret test results for anti-VZV in conjunction with the clinical evaluation and the results of other diagnostic procedures. The assay is not intended for use in blood donor populations. A reactive test result in immunocompromised patients may not be indicative of prior infection with Varicella virus. Interpret assay results from recent blood products with caution. The performance characteristics with individuals vaccinated with VZV (OKA Strain) have not been established. The anti-IgG absorbent in the Sample Diluent has been found to functionally remove ≥ 13.9 mg/mL IgG from human serum. Patients with an IgG level exceeding 14 mg/mL may require additional treatment to neutralize all IgG. Excessively high levels of IgG have been shown to reduce reactivity to VZV IgM antibody. Potential cross-reactivity of this assay with specimens from individuals infected with HSV-1 or HSV-2 has not been evaluated.

Availability: N/A