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HelpTest Code VZVPCR Varicella Zoster Virus by Rapid PCR
Useful For
Useful for detection of VZV in CSF and vesicular and cellular material from base of lesion (cutaneous or mucocutaneous only).
Please note this test should not be used for sources other than those listed above, including ocular specimens. For this testing, order MISC for VZVPV to Mayo Laboratories.
Synonyms/Keywords
VZV by PCR, Shingles
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 |
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.
Interpretations
All positive CSF VZVPCR results are called to the provider.
Reference Range Information
| Performing Location | Reference Range |
|---|---|
| Marshfield |
Negative: No Varicella Zoster Virus DNA detected by Rapid PCR |
Marshfield Labs Performing Department
Marshfield Labs Molecular Pathology
Performing Information
| Performing Location | Day(s) Test Performed | Analytical Time | Methodology/Instrumentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marshfield |
Lesions: Monday - Friday |
6-8 hours* | Real Time PCR, Hybridization Probe |
| *Testing performed once/day. Sample must be received in the lab by 0400 to be tested same day. | |||
CPT Codes
| CPT | Modifier (if needed) |
Quantity | Description | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 87798 |
Outreach CPT Codes
| CPT | Modifier (if needed) |
Quantity | Description | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 87798 |
Ordering Applications
| Ordering Application | Description |
|---|---|
| Centricity | Varicella Zoster By Rapid PCR |
| Cerner | Varicella Zoster by Rapid PCR |