Ordering Recommendation
Mnemonic
VZMCSF
Methodology
Semi-Quantitative Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
Performed
Mon-Fri
Reported
1-5 days
New York DOH Approval Status
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.
Unacceptable Conditions
Specimen types other than CSF. Contaminated, heat-inactivated, or hemolyzed specimens.
Remarks
Stability
Ambient: 8 hours; Refrigerated: 2 weeks; Frozen: 1 year
Reference Interval
0.90 ISR or less | Negative - No significant level of IgM antibody to varicella-zoster virus detected. |
0.91-1.09 ISR | Equivocal - Repeat testing in 10-14 days may be helpful. |
1.10 ISR or greater | Positive - Significant level of IgM antibody to varicella-zoster virus detected, which may indicate current or recent infection. However, low levels of IgM antibodies may occasionally persist for more than 12 months post-infection. |
Interpretive Data
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 Category
Modified FDA
Note
Hotline History
N/A
CPT Codes
86787
Components
Component Test Code* | Component Chart Name | LOINC |
---|---|---|
0054445 | VZV Antibody IgM CSF | 31695-0 |
* 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.
Aliases
- Herpes Zoster
- Varicella Zoster Virus CSF IgM
- VZV CSF IgM
Varicella-Zoster Virus Antibody, IgM by ELISA (CSF)