VZV, Varicella zoster virus – serology
| Detection of Varicella zoster virus IgG and/or IgM antibodies | |
| Microbiology | |
| Serology | |
| ○ Whole blood ○ Serum |
Other Information
○ VZV IgG testing will be performed on all requests for VZV serology.
○ VZV IgG and IgM will only be performed when the clinical situation is indicating acute/recent infection or if the patient is a pregnant woman.
○ VZV IgG and IgM will only be performed when the clinical situation is indicating acute/recent infection or if the patient is a pregnant woman.
○ Clotted blood, serum separator tube
○ Decontaminate skin with 70% alcohol followed by iodine or chlorhexidine, collect at least 5 mL of blood
Refer to section Sample Processing / Delivery
In-house VZV IgG
PHOL VZV IgM
PHOL VZV IgM
○ Up to 3 days if performed in-house
○ Up to 5 days from receipt at PHO laboratory
○ Up to 5 days from receipt at PHO laboratory
416-586-4800 extension 4432
NO
○ Label specimen container. Place specimens in biohazard bag and seal.
○ Specimen should be transported to the UHN/SH Microbiology Laboratory at room temperature (20-25˚C) immediately after collection.
○ UHN/SH Microbiology Laboratory will either perform testing in house (IgG only) or refer the original specimen to the Public Health Ontario Laboratory for testing.
○ Specimen should be transported to the UHN/SH Microbiology Laboratory at room temperature (20-25˚C) immediately after collection.
○ UHN/SH Microbiology Laboratory will either perform testing in house (IgG only) or refer the original specimen to the Public Health Ontario Laboratory for testing.