Ordering RecommendationRecommendations when to order or not order the test. May include related or preferred tests.
Generally not recommended for the diagnosis of acute disease/encephalitis. May aid in diagnosing varicella-zoster virus vasculopathy.
MnemonicUnique test identifier.
VZECSF
MethodologyProcess(es) used to perform the test.
Semi-Quantitative Chemiluminescent Immunoassay
PerformedDays of the week the test is performed.
Sun - Sat
ReportedExpected turnaround time for a result, beginning when ARUP has received the specimen.
Within 24 hours
New York DOH Approval StatusIndicates test has been approved by the New York State Department of Health.
Specimens from New York clients will be sent out to a New York DOH approved laboratory, if possible.
Specimen Required
Patient Preparation
Collect
CSF.
Specimen Preparation
Transfer 0.5 mL CSF to an ARUP Standard Transport Tube. (Min: 0.3 mL)
Storage/Transport Temperature
Refrigerated. Also acceptable: Frozen.
Unacceptable Conditions
Contaminated, heat-inactivated, hemolyzed, or xanthochromic specimens.
Remarks
Stability
Ambient: 8 hours; Refrigerated: 2 weeks; Frozen: 1 year
Reference IntervalNormal range/expected value(s) for a specific disease state. May also include abnormal ranges.
Effective February 18, 2020
134.9 IV or less
Negative - No significant level of IgG antibody to varicella-zoster virus detected.
135.0-164.9 IV
Equivocal - Repeat testing in 10-14 days may be helpful.
165.0 IV or greater
Positive - IgG antibody to varicella-zoster virus detected, which may indicate a current or past varicella-zoster infection.
Interpretive DataBackground information for test. May include disease information, patient result explanation, recommendations, details of testing, associated diseases, explanation of possible patient results.
The detection of antibodies to varicella-zoster in CSF may indicate central nervous system infection. However, consideration must be given to possible contamination by blood or transfer of serum antibodies across the blood-brain barrier.
Compliance Statement B: For laboratory developed tests not using a RUO kit, and for FDA approved, cleared or 510(k) exempt assays with alterations. This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by ARUP Laboratories. The U. S. Food and Drug Administration has not approved or cleared this test; however, FDA clearance or approval is not currently required for clinical use. The results are not intended to be used as the sole means for clinical diagnosis or patient management decisions.
CPT CodesThe American Medical Association Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes published in ARUP's Laboratory Test Directory are provided for informational purposes only. The codes reflect our interpretation of CPT coding requirements based upon AMA guidelines published annually. CPT codes are provided only as guidance to assist clients with billing. ARUP strongly recommends that clients confirm CPT codes with their Medicare administrative contractor, as requirements may differ. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. ARUP Laboratories assumes no responsibility for billing errors due to reliance on the CPT codes published.
* Component test codes cannot be used to order tests. The information provided here is not sufficient for interface builds; for a complete test mix, please click the sidebar link to access the Interface Map.
AliasesOther names that describe the test. Synonyms.
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