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23151 Varicella Zoster Virus by Rapid PCR

Varicella Zoster Virus by Rapid PCR
Test Code: VZVPCR
Synonyms/Keywords
​VZV by PCR, Shingles
Useful For
Useful for the detection of Varicella Zoster Virus DNA in CSF, vesicular fluid, and cellular material from base of lesion (skin, mucosal, urogenital). ​
Specimen Requirements
Fasting Required Specimen Type Preferred Container/Tube Acceptable Container/Tube Specimen Volume Specimen Minimum Volume
(allows for 1 repeat)		 Pediatric Minimum Volume
(no repeat)
No ​ ​CSF Sterile, Leak-proof Container​ ​ ​1.0 mL ​0.5 mL ​0.25 mL
No​ ​ Swab Universal Transport Media (UTM)
 ​BD UVT, Remel M4, Remel M4RT, Remel M5, Remel M6
 1 swab​ ​ ​
Collection Processing Instructions
CSF: spinal fluid (CSF) in a sterile, leak-proof container.
Swabs: Vesicular fluid and cellular material from the base of lesion (skin, mucosal, urogenital). Specimens from early stage vesicular lesions rather than ulcerative or crusted lesions should be obtained. Place swabs in transport media and break off swabs at breakpoint of shaft.
 
Avoid freeze / thaw cycles.
 
Solid tissue sample will not be accepted for PCR detection.

For more information on Specimen Collection Media/Swab, see Specimen Transport Pictorial.
Specimen Stability Information
Specimen Type Temperature ​Time
CSF​ ​Refrigerate ​7 days
​Frozen ​30 days
​Swab ​Refrigerate ​7 days
Rejection Criteria
Wood-Shafted, Cotton, or Calcium Alginate Swabs
​Urine and Body Fluids (With the Exception of CSF)
​Solid Tissue Samples
Performing Laboratory Information
Performing Location Day(s) Test Performed Analytical Time Methodology/Instrumentation
​Marshfield

Lesions: ​Monday - Friday
CSF: Monday - Sunday

 6-8 hours* Real Time PCR, Hybridization Probe​
*Testing performed once/day.
​ ​Sample must be re​ceived in the lab by 0400 to be tested same day.​ ​ ​ ​ ​
Test Information

VZVPCR is a real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based qualitative in vitro diagnostic test for the direct amplification and detection of VZV DNA from unprocessed cutaneous and mucocutaneous lesion swab specimens and CSF.

Negative results do not preclude VZV infection and should not be used as the sole basis for treatment or other patient management decisions.​

Reference Range Information
Performing Location Reference Range
​Marshfield

Negative: No Varicella Zoster Virus DNA detected by Rapid PCR ​

Interpretation
​All positive CSF VZVPCR results are called to the provider.
Outreach CPTs
CPT Modifier
(if needed)		 Quantity Description Comments
​87798 ​ ​ ​ ​
Synonyms/Keywords
​VZV by PCR, Shingles
Ordering Applications
Ordering Application Description
​Centricity ​Varicella Zoster By Rapid PCR
​Cerner ​Varicella Zoster by Rapid PCR
If the ordering application you are looking for is not listed, contact your local laboratory for assistance.
Specimen Requirements
Fasting Required Specimen Type Preferred Container/Tube Acceptable Container/Tube Specimen Volume Specimen Minimum Volume
(allows for 1 repeat)		 Pediatric Minimum Volume
(no repeat)
No ​ ​CSF Sterile, Leak-proof Container​ ​ ​1.0 mL ​0.5 mL ​0.25 mL
No​ ​ Swab Universal Transport Media (UTM)
 ​BD UVT, Remel M4, Remel M4RT, Remel M5, Remel M6
 1 swab​ ​ ​
Collection Processing
CSF: spinal fluid (CSF) in a sterile, leak-proof container.
Swabs: Vesicular fluid and cellular material from the base of lesion (skin, mucosal, urogenital). Specimens from early stage vesicular lesions rather than ulcerative or crusted lesions should be obtained. Place swabs in transport media and break off swabs at breakpoint of shaft.
 
Avoid freeze / thaw cycles.
 
Solid tissue sample will not be accepted for PCR detection.

For more information on Specimen Collection Media/Swab, see Specimen Transport Pictorial.
Specimen Stability Information
Specimen Type Temperature ​Time
CSF​ ​Refrigerate ​7 days
​Frozen ​30 days
​Swab ​Refrigerate ​7 days
Rejection Criteria
Wood-Shafted, Cotton, or Calcium Alginate Swabs
​Urine and Body Fluids (With the Exception of CSF)
​Solid Tissue Samples
Useful For
Useful for the detection of Varicella Zoster Virus DNA in CSF, vesicular fluid, and cellular material from base of lesion (skin, mucosal, urogenital). ​
Reference Range Information
Performing Location Reference Range
​Marshfield

Negative: No Varicella Zoster Virus DNA detected by Rapid PCR ​

Interpretation
​All positive CSF VZVPCR results are called to the provider.
For more information visit:
Performing Laboratory Information
Performing Location Day(s) Test Performed Analytical Time Methodology/Instrumentation
​Marshfield

Lesions: ​Monday - Friday
CSF: Monday - Sunday

 6-8 hours* Real Time PCR, Hybridization Probe​
*Testing performed once/day.
​ ​Sample must be re​ceived in the lab by 0400 to be tested same day.​ ​ ​ ​ ​
For billing questions, see Contacts
Outreach CPTs
CPT Modifier
(if needed)		 Quantity Description Comments
​87798 ​ ​ ​ ​
For most current information refer to the Marshfield Laboratory online reference manual.