Sign in →

TEST ID VZVPV Varicella-Zoster Virus, Molecular Detection, PCR, Varies

Reporting Name

Varicella-Zoster Virus, PCR, Varies

Specimen Type

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)


Specimen 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

Method Name

Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)/DNA Probe Hybridization

Reject Due To

Calcium alginate-tipped swab
Wood swab
Transport swab containing gel
Formalin-fixed and/or paraffin-embedded tissues
Heat-inactivated specimen		 Reject

Reference Values

Negative

 

Reference values apply to all ages.

Day(s) Performed

Monday through Saturday

Report Available

Same day/1 to 4 days

Specimen Retention Time

1 week

Performing Laboratory

Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester

CPT Code Information

87798

Forms

If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Microbiology Test Request (T244) with the specimen.

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.