ARUP's Laboratory Test Directory
| 0060042: Varicella-Zoster Virus by PCR |
| Test Mnemonic: VZVPCR | |
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Methodology: Polymerase Chain Reaction
Performed: Mon, Wed, Fri Reported: 1-4 days |
| Specimen Required: | |
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Collect: CSF, ocular specimen, vesicle fluid, or tissue biopsy. Freeze tissue immediately. Specimen source is required.
Transport: 1 mL CSF or ocular specimen in sterile container, frozen. Vesicle fluid, or tissue biopsy in viral transport media (Microtest M4 or UTM) (ARUP supply #12884), frozen. Transport fresh, snap frozen tissue on dry ice. Submit specimen according to Biological Substance, Category B, shipping guidelines. Pediatric Collection/Transport: 0.25 mL CSF, ocular specimen in sterile container, frozen. (Less volume may decrease sensitivity of assay.) Submit specimen according to Biological Substance, Category B, shipping guidelines. Unacceptable Conditions: Nonsterile or leaking containers. Heparinized or hemolyzed specimens. Tissue in formalin or other preservatives. Stability: Ambient: 8 hours (excludes tissues); Refrigerated: 3 days (excludes tissues); Frozen: 3 months |
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| Reference Interval: |
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Negative - Varicella-zoster virus DNA not detected by PCR. Positive - Varicella-zoster virus DNA detected by PCR. |
| Interpretive Data: | |
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A negative result does not rule out the presence of PCR inhibitors in the patient specimen or varicella-zoster virus DNA concentrations below the level of detection of the assay.
Please refer to Statement B in the Compliance Statements section in the front of the Laboratory Test Directory. |
| CPT Code(s): | |
| 87798 |