Varicella Testing

General

Synonym/Acronym:
Varicella-zoster antibodies, chickenpox, VZ.

Rationale
To assist in confirming a diagnosis of a current, recent, or past varicella-zoster infection (chickenpox or shingles).

Patient Preparation
There are no food, fluid, activity, or medication restrictions unless by medical direction.

Normal Findings
Method: Enzyme Immunoassay.

IgMInterpretationIgGInterpretation
NegativeNo significant level of detectable antibodyNegativeNo significant level of detectable antibody; indicative of nonimmunity
IndeterminateEquivocal results; retest in 7–14 daysIndeterminateEquivocal results; retest in 7–14 days
PositiveAntibody detected; indicative of recent immunization, current or recent infectionPositiveAntibody detected; indicative of immunization, current, or past infection

Critical Findings and Potential Interventions
Specific infectious organisms are required to be reported to local, state, and national departments of health. Lists of specific organisms may vary among facilities. State health departments provide information regarding reportable diseases, which can be accessed at each state health department Web site. The CDC provides information regarding national notifiable diseases at https://ndc.services.cdc.gov /search-results-year.

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