A simplified immunofluorescence technique for antibody to varicella-zoster membrane antigen (FAMA)

Indirect fluorescent antibody to varicella-zoster membrane antigens (FAMA) was measured by a new technique. The procedure gives rapid, sensitive and accurate results and is suitable for use in diagnosis or screening of susceptibility to varicella-zoster virus (VZV) infection. The test procedure was simplified by using Terasaki tissue culture plates for the reaction and for direct observation by fluorescence microscopy. Preparations of VZV-infected Vero cells stored in liquid nitrogen could be used as antigen in this FAMA-test.