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HelpTest Code VZVPV Varicella-Zoster Virus, Molecular Detection, PCR, Varies
Necessary Information
Specimen source is required.
Specimen Required
Submit only 1 of the following specimens:
Supplies: Sarstedt Aliquot Tube, 5 mL (T914)
Specimen Type: Body fluid
Sources: Spinal, pleural, peritoneal, ascites, pericardial, amniotic, or ocular
Container/Tube: Sterile container
Specimen Volume: 0.5 mL
Collection Instructions: Do not centrifuge.
Specimen Type: Swab
Sources: Miscellaneous; dermal, eye, nasal, or throat
Supplies:
-Culturette (BBL Culture Swab) (T092)
-M4-RT (T605)
Container/Tube: Multimicrobe media (M4-RT) and ESwabs
Collection Instructions: Place swab back into multimicrobe media (M4-RT, M4, or M5).
Specimen Type: Genital Swab
Sources: Cervix, vagina, urethra, anal/rectal, or other genital sources
Supplies:
-Culturette (BBL Culture Swab) (T092)
-M4-RT (T605)
Container/Tube: Multimicrobe media (M4-RT) (T605) and ESwabs
Collection Instructions: Place swab back into multimicrobe media (M4-RT, M4, or M5).
Specimen Type: Respiratory
Sources: Bronchial washing, bronchoalveolar lavage, nasopharyngeal aspirate or washing, sputum, or tracheal aspirate
Container/Tube: Sterile container
Specimen Volume: 1.5 mL
Specimen Type: Tissue
Sources: Brain, colon, kidney, liver, lung, etc.
Supplies: M4-RT (T605)
Container/Tube:
Preferred: Multimicrobe media (M4-RT)
Acceptable: Sterile container with 1 to 2 mL of sterile saline
Specimen Volume: Entire collection
Collection Instructions: Submit only fresh tissue in a sterile container containing 1 mL to 2 mL of sterile saline or multimicrobe medium (M4-RT, M4, or M5)
Useful For
Rapid (qualitative) detection of varicella-zoster virus DNA in clinical specimens for laboratory diagnosis of disease due to this virus
This test should not be used to screen asymptomatic patients.
Method Name
Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)/DNA Probe Hybridization
Reporting Name
Varicella-Zoster Virus, PCR, VariesSpecimen Type
VariesSpecimen Minimum Volume
Ocular Fluid and Spinal Fluid: 0.3 mL
Body Fluid (pleural, peritoneal, ascites, and pericardial): See Specimen Required
Respiratory Specimens: 1 mL
Tissue: 2 × 2 mm biopsy
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
|---|---|---|---|
| Varies | Refrigerated (preferred) | 7 days | |
| Frozen | 7 days |
Reject Due To
| Calcium alginate-tipped swab Wood swab Transport swab containing gel Formalin-fixed and/or paraffin-embedded tissues Heat-inactivated specimen |
Reject |
Clinical Information
Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) causes both varicella (chickenpox) and herpes zoster (shingles). VZV produces a generalized vesicular rash on the dermis (chickenpox) in normal children, usually before 10 years of age. After primary infection with VZV, the virus persists in latent form and may emerge clinically (usually in adults 50 years of age and older) to cause a unilateral vesicular eruption, generally in a dermatomal distribution (shingles).
Reference Values
Negative
Reference values apply to all ages.
Interpretation
Detection of varicella-zoster virus (VZV) DNA in clinical specimens supports the clinical diagnosis of infection due to this virus.
VZV DNA is not detected in cerebrospinal fluid from patients without central nervous system disease caused by this virus.
This LightCycler polymerase chain reaction assay does not yield positive results with other herpesvirus gene targets (herpes simplex virus, cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus).
Cautions
A negative result does not exclude the possibility of varicella-zoster virus (VZV) infection.
The reference range is typically "negative" for this assay. This assay is only to be used for patients with a clinical history and symptoms consistent with VZV infection and must be interpreted in the context of the clinical picture.
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Saturday
Report Available
Same day/1 to 4 daysPerforming Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
Test Classification
This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. It has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.CPT Code Information
87798
LOINC Code Information
| Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| VZVPV | Varicella-Zoster Virus, PCR, Varies | 94584-0 |
| Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| VZVS | Specimen Source | 31208-2 |
| 618332 | Varicella-Zoster Virus PCR | 94584-0 |
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Microbiology Test Request (T244) with the specimen.