CPT Code: 86787
Order Code: 8683
ABN Requirement: No
Alternative Name(s): Chicken Pox IgM, Shingles, Herpes Zoster IgM
Specimen: Serum
Volume: 1.0 mL
Minimum Volume: 0.2 mL
Container: Gel-barrier tube (SST)
Collection:
- Collect and label sample according to standard protocols.
- Gently invert tube 5 times immediately after draw. Do not shake.
- Allow blood to clot 30 minutes.
- Centrifuge for 10 minutes.
Transport: Store serum at 2°C to 8°C after collection and ship the same day per packaging instructions included with the provided shipping box.
Stability:
Ambient (15-25°C): 4 days
Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days
Frozen (-20°C): 30 days
Causes for Rejection: Specimens other than serum; improper labeling; samples not stored properly; samples older than stability limits; gross hemolysis; grossly lipemic; grossly icteric
Methodology: Immunoassay (IA)
Turn Around Time: 2 to 3 days
Reference Range:
| VZV Ab (IgM) | ≤0.90 |
|---|---|
| Interpretive Criteria | |
| 0.00-0.90 | Negative |
| 0.91-1.09 | Equivocal |
| ≥1.10 | Positive |
Results from any one IgM assay should not be used as a sole determinant of a current or recent infection. Because an IgM test can yield false positive results and low levels of IgM antibody may persist for more than 12 months post infection, reliance on a single test result could be misleading. If an acute infection is suspected, consider obtaining a new specimen and submit for both IgG and IgM testing in two or more weeks.
Clinical Significance: Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV) causes chicken pox and when reactivated, potentially decades later, causes shingles. Twenty percent of adults will develop shingles, a rash or blister of the skin that may cause severe pain.
The CPT codes provided are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payer being billed.