VARICELLA ZOSTER VIRUS (VZV) ANTIBODY

​VZV IgM 

VZV IgG 

VZV IgG (Rapid)

​3 – 5 mL plain blood.

(a) To diagnose acute varicella infection, send single acute sample for VZV IgM.

(b) To diagnose past infection or immunity, send single sample for VZV IgG.

(c) For urgent screening for immunity after exposure, send sample for VZV IgG (Rapid).

​Refrigerate samples if delay in transporting to laboratory is anticipated. Do not freeze.

​VZV IgM : Immunofluorescence assay (IFA)

VZV IgG : Enzyme Immunoassay (EIA)

VZV IgG (Rapid) (for urgent testing only) : Enzyme linked fluorescence assay (ELFA)

​Acute infection: Single sample positive for VZV IgM.

Immunity: VZV IgG present

VZV IgG (EIA): The test(s) carries an international registration mark (non-HSA) and is used in accordance to laboratory accreditation guidelines.

​Urgent cases: 
VZV IgM : 3 – 4 hrs 
VZV IgG (Rapid) : 1 – 48 hrs

Routine cases: 
VZV IgM : <1 – 4 days 
VZV IgG : <1 – 7 days 

​VZV IgM/IgG (Rapid) : Stat for urgent cases

VZV IgM : Tuesday and Friday

VZV IgG : Thursday