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Test Code VZVDQ Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV) DNA, Qualitative Real-Time PCR

Additional Codes

Epic: LAB3404

Quest: 34052

Specimen Required

Specimen Type: Whole Blood, EDTA

Collection Container/Type

Preferred: Lavender top (EDTA)

Acceptable: Yellow top (ACD Solution B) or

CSF collected in a sterile container or

Bronchial wash/brush collected in a sterile container or

Lesion swab collected in VCM or equivalent (UTM, M4) or

Eye fluid (vitreous) collected in sterile container

Specimen Volume: 1 mL all other specimens

0.5 mL Eye fluid

Specimen Minimum Volume

0.3 mL all other specimens

0.2 mL eye fluid

Specimen Stability

Whole blood

Room temperature: 48 hours

Refrigerated: 8 days

Frozen: Unacceptabl

 

All other specimens

Room temperature: 48 hours

Refrigerated: 8 days

Frozen: 30 days

Clinical Significance

Detect the varicella zoster virus (VZV DNA) in skin lesions, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and specimens from respiratory tract. Active, detection of viral DNA in CSF usually indicates active, not latent, infection. Detection of  VZV DNA in appropriate clinical specimens permits rapid and sensitive patient testing.

Reference Range

Not detected

Rejection Due To

Heparin whole blood
 

Day(s) and Time(s) Performed

Daily

Report Available

1 day

Method Name

Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction

This test was developed and its analytical performance characteristics have been determined by Quest Diagnostics. It has not been cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. This assay has been validated pursuant to the CLIA regulations and is used for clinical purposes.

Aliases

Herpes Zoster,Zoster, Varicella,VZV

CPT Code(s)

87798