Varicella-zoster IgG

Description
Qualitative chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA) for IgG antibodies to Varicella zoster virus in serum, used to determine immune status. This test is NOT suitable for diagnosis of chickenpox or shingles. Instead, a swab should be sent for molecular testing. If an urgent VZV IgG test is required following contact with chickenpox or shingles, contact on-call Infection StR via the hospital switchboard. This assay is available routinely Mon to Fri. This test is not UKAS accredited
Clinical details
Varicella-zoster virus is the causative agent of Chickenpox. Initial symptoms may include nausea, fever, aching, painful muscles, headache, generally feeling unwell, and loss of appetite. These are followed by a characteristic itchy red vesicular rash, covering the whole body. Complications such as pneumonia, septicaemia (blood poisoning), and meningitis may occur in neonates less than four weeks old, pregnant females and those of any age with a suppressed immune system. Infection during pregnancy may lead to fetal infection. Although rare this can cause serious complications including, scarring of the skin, eye defects, shortened limbs, and brain damage. After a chickenpox infection, the virus stays dormant in the body's nerve tissues and may reactivate, causing shingles.
Related condition
Reference range

Not Applicable

  

Units
Milli-international units per milliliter (mIU/mL): numerical values < 250 mIU/mL are stated, numerical values >250 mIU/mL are reported as "Detected"
Synonyms
VZV
Testing site
Synnovis : Infection Sciences : Blackfriars Hub
Laboratory
Virology
Sample type and volume required
2.5 - 5ml Yellow Top Serum Separation Tube (SST) Clotted Blood (for serum).
Storage and transport
Place labelled sample in a sealed sample bag and send to Central Specimen Reception (CSR). To prevent sample haemolysis please store samples in refrigerator if a delay in sending samples to CSR is unavoidable.
Turnaround time
4 working days
Contacts
For the most up-to-date contact list and service information, please refer to the User Manual.

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