ARUP's Laboratory Test Directory

Varicella-Zoster Virus by PCR : 0060042

Mnemonic: VZVPCR

Methodology: Qualitative Polymerase Chain Reaction
Performed: Mon, Wed, Fri
Reported: 1-3 days
Specimen Required: Collect: Lavender (EDTA), pink (K2EDTA) or serum separator tube. OR CSF, ocular fluid, tissue or vesicle fluid.

Specimen Preparation: Transfer 1 mL serum, plasma, CSF or ocular fluid to a sterile container. (Min: 0.5 mL)
Tissue:
Transfer to a sterile container and freeze immediately.
Vesicle Fluid:
Transfer to viral transport media (ARUP supply #12884). Available online through eSupply using ARUP Connect™ or contact ARUP Client Services at (800) 522-2787.


Storage/Transport Temperature: Frozen.

Remarks: Specimen source required.

Unacceptable Conditions: Heparinized specimens.

Stability (collection to initiation of testing): Tissue: Ambient: Unacceptable; Refrigerated: Unacceptable; Frozen: 3 months
All others:
Ambient: 24 hours; Refrigerated: 5 days; Frozen: 3 months


Interpretive Data:

Refer to Statement B under Testing Information at http://www.aruplab.com.
CPT Code(s): 87798
Cross References: Chicken Pox (Varicella-Zoster Virus by PCR), Herpes Zoster (Varicella-Zoster Virus by PCR), VZV (Varicella-Zoster Virus by PCR)