Also known as- U856, VARICELLA ZOSTER VIRUS, VZVPCR
Test Contains (LOINC)- VZV Interp (11483-5),
Specimen, Source (31208-2)-
Sample Type- Swab
Preferred Container- Viral/Universal Transport Media (VTM/UTM) or equivalent
Minimal Sample Volume- 0.6 mL (does not allow for repeat testing)
Handling Instructions
Once specimen is collected, it should be placed immediately into the transport vial where it comes in to contact with transport media. Refrigerate or freeze specimen after collection. To maintain optimum specimen viability, transport the specimen to the laboratory as soon as possible.
Client Transport Temperature- Refrigerated
Specimen Stability- Ambient: 3 Days; Refrigerated: 2 Weeks; Frozen: 1 Month
Unsuitable Specimen- Aptima/ThinPrep/SurePath/ESwab specimens.
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Tissue. Calcium alginate swabs. Swabs with wooden shafts. Swab in gel-containing transport media.
Frequency- Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
Expected Turn Around- 4 – 6 Days
Responsible Dept- Reference Lab
Methodology- Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR)
External Clinical Reference
Chickenpox is the clinical presentation of primary VZV infections and characterized by the presence of vesicular lesions on the face, trunk, extremities, and mucosal surfaces. Chickenpox most commonly affects children, teens, and young adults and is marked by a characteristic skin rash that forms small, itchy blisters that eventually scab over. Following primary infection the virus establishes latency. Reactivation of VZV causes herpes zoster (shingles) and is usually characterized by painful, unilateral vesicular eruption in a dermatomal distribution. The diagnosis of chickenpox and shingles is primarily based on signs and symptoms, although laboratory testing may be necessary in cases with atypical presentations. Diagnosis can be confirmed by detection of VZV DNA by PCR. PCR-based tests have high sensitivity and specificity and are preferred to viral culture for detection of VZV.
Compliance Statement
This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Sonic Reference Laboratory (SRL). It has not been cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA has determined that such clearance or approval is not necessary. This test is used for clinical purposes and should not be regarded as investigational or for research. SRL is qualified to perform high complexity testing under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA).
