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Test Code LAB1372 Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV) Nucleic Acid Detection, Non-CSF

Important Note

This assay has been approved for cutaneous (skin lesion, genital-penis) and mucocutaneous lesion (anorectal, genital-vaginal/cervical, nares, ocular, oral lesion and urethral) sources only. Non-lesion sources will be rejected. Multiple sites need separate collection and testing.

For Spinal Fluid, order test:

Useful For

  • The rapid detection of varicella-zoster virus DNA in clinical specimens
  • Diagnosing Varicella-zoster virus (VZV), the cause of chickenpox and herpes zoster (also called shingles)

Methodology

Helicase-Dependent DNA Amplification (HDA)

Performing Laboratory

Bozeman Health Laboratory Services

Specimen Requirements

Ideally specimen should be collected within 3 to 4 days of the onset of symptoms but no more than 7 days.

 

Specimen source is required.

 

Specimen Type: Vesicular lesion

Sources: Cutaneous or mucocutaneous

Container/Tube: Viral transport media

Specimen Volume: Adequate amount

Collection Instructions:

  1. Remove necrotic material to reach fresh specimen area, and scrape underlying lesion.
  2. Collect specimen using a sterile cotton, polyester, or dacron swab.  Use 1 swab per site.
  3. Place swab in tube of viral transport media.
  4. Label tube with patient’s name (first and last), date and actual time of collection, and type of specimen.

Specimen Rejection:

1. Body fluid or spinal fluid

2. Calcium alginate swab or swab with wooden shaft

3. Non-lesion sources will be rejected.

4. Multiple sites collected on one swab will be rejected.

Specimen Transport Temperature

Ambient

Specimen Stability

Specimen Type Temperature Time
Viral Transport Media Ambient 48 hours
  Refrigerated 7 days

Reference Values

Negative

Day(s) Test Set Up

Batched once daily, Monday through Sunday. No STAT testing available.

Test Classification and CPT Coding

87798