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Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV) Serology (IgG) - Provincial

Discipline

Microbiology

Overview

Description

  • Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV) IgG antibody testing is used to assess immune status in individuals with uncertain or undocumented history of varicella infection or vaccination.

  • General Principles

    • VZV IgG serology is used to determine evidence of past infection or vaccination; it is not indicated for diagnosing acute or recent varicella/zoster episodes.

    • For suspected acute infection, the preferred methods are PCR or, if unavailable, IgM and/or paired acute/convalescent IgG sera.

    • A negative IgG shortly after exposure may represent early infection; repeat testing in 10 – 14 days may be required to confirm seroconversion.

    • Interpretation: Positive IgG = immune; negative IgG = susceptible (unless too early post-exposure). IgM may indicate recent infection but has limited specificity and is prone to false positives.

Alias

  • VZV - IgG
  • Herpes Zoster IgG

Specimen Information

Specimen types accepted

  • Serum

Specimen collection container

  • Serum-separating tube (SST), Centrifuged, Aliquoted

Required volume

  • 1 mL (minimum)
  • 2 mL (recommended)

Transport and stability

RRPL
  • Serum may be shipped at ambient temperature
Saskatoon
  • Frozen (preferred) 14 days
  • Refrigerated 48 hours

 

Performance

Methodology

  • LIAISON® VZV IgG HT assay uses chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA) technology

Days/times performed

RRPL
  • Monday to Friday
  • 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Saskatoon
  • Monday to Sunday

Maximum laboratory time

RRPL
  • 3 days
Saskatoon
  • 24 - 48 hours

Specimen retention time

RRPL
  • 10 days
Saskatoon
  • 3 days

Last Updated: October 27, 2025