ARUP's Laboratory Test Directory
| 0060290: Varicella-Zoster Virus DFA |
| Test Mnemonic: VZVFA | |
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Methodology: Direct Fluorescent Antibody Stain
Performed: Sun-Sat Reported: Within 24 hours |
| Specimen Required: | |
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Collect: Vesicle swab (first three days of rash), tissue, or skin scrapings. Swab should be rolled in base of fresh vesicle to obtain cells. Source of specimen is preferred.
Transport: Specimen in viral transport media at 2-8°C. Submit specimen according to Biological Substance, Category B, shipping guidelines. Pediatric Collection/Transport: Submit specimen according to Biological Substance, Category B, shipping guidelines. Unacceptable Conditions: CSF, whole blood, bone marrow. Dry swabs, calcium alginate swabs, and wood swabs. Stability: Ambient: 4 hours; Refrigerated: 3 days; Frozen: Unacceptable |
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| Reference Interval: |
| Negative |
| Interpretive Data: | |
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Approximately 20% of samples submitted for VZV are positive for herpes simplex virus. Testing for herpes simplex virus is NOT included in this test.
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| Note: | |
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Sensitivity of DFA methodology is dependent upon adequacy of the specimen. If there are fewer than 20 cells, the DFA result will be reported as "sample inadequate." Culture is recommended for any DFA-negative swabs or inadequate samples. Refer to Varicella-Zoster Virus DFA with Reflex to Varicella-Zoster Virus Culture (0060282). |
| CPT Code(s): | |
| 87290 |