Skip Navigation LinksVaricella-zoster-Serology

Top Menu
Left Menu

Viral and Rickettsial Disease Laboratory

Test Order 
Varicella-Zoster Virus - Serology

Information Category Information Detail
Pre-Approval None
Supplemental Information Requested Requested: Travel history, rash onset date, symptoms, varicella-zoster vaccination history, contacts to known case(s)
Submittal Form Specimens must be accompanied with a hard copy of the completed VRDL General Purpose Specimen Submittal Form (PDF) or a form generated in the VRDL Lab Web Portal.
Methodology (Commercial Test Name or Laboratory Developed Test (LDT)) EIA: IgG (LDT) (Diagnostic)
Reflex Testing None
Acceptable Specimen Type(s) and Collection Method

Human specimens: 
  • Serum: 
    • Serum Separator Tubes (SST): SST may be transported after centrifugation
    • Plain Red-Top Tubes: Serum collected in plain, red-top tubes must be separated and transferred to sterile, screw-cap tubes for storage and transport.

  • Plasma: Plasma may be separated from EDTA (lavender top) Whole Blood Tubes and transferred to sterile, screw-cap tubes for storage and transport.

  • CSF (must be submitted with serum or plasma): sterile collection tubes
Minimum Volume Requested
  • Serum or Plasma: 1 mL
  • Whole blood in serum separator tubes: 3–5 mL
  • CSF: 1 mL
Transport Medium (if using) Not Applicable
Specimen Labeling Each specimen tube must be labeled with at least two unique patient identifiers, e.g., patient full name and date of birth.
Storage & Preservation of Specimen / Shipping Conditions
  • Separated Serum or Plasma: freeze or refrigerate specimens promptly after collection.
  • Whole blood: refrigerate specimens promptly after collection. Do not freeze whole blood.
  • CSF: freeze or refrigerate specimens promptly after collection.

Ship refrigerated specimens to VRDL on cold packs. Ship frozen specimens to VRDL on dry ice.
Shipping Instructions
 Work with your local public health department to ensure samples are packaged according to instructions for Biological Substance – Category B (UN 3373) shipment.

Ship specimens and a hard copy of the completed submittal forms to: 

CDPH VRDL

ATTN: Specimen Receiving

850 Marina Bay Parkway Richmond, CA 94804

Phone: 510-307-8585
Turnaround Time
 10 Business Days
Limitations
  • CSF must be submitted with corresponding serum or plasma
  • Positive result does not confirm infection; clinical correlation is required   
  • This is not a functional test to determine if a patient’s serum will neutralize VZV
  • A negative result does not preclude the possibility of infection
Additional Information
The optimal test for cases of suspected chickenpox or shingles is PCR of lesion swabs or scabs from an unroofed lesion
VRDL Points of Contact
 Medical and Epidemiology Liaisons: (510) 307-8585 or VRDL.submittal@cdph.ca.gov

​
Page Last Updated :