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HelpTest Code LAB12365 Varicella Zoster Virus PCR
Department
SEND OUTS
Reference Lab Test Number
VVPCR
Collection Requirements
Specimen source is required.
Swab specimens (vesicle, ocular) in viral transport medium.
Swabs in culturettes must be transferred to viral transport within 24 hours of collection.
Biopsy/tissue specimens in saline or viral transport medium (snap frozen -20°C).
Bronchoalveolar lavage/wash in an IATA-approved sterile screw-capped plastic container 1.0 mL (0.5 mL minimum).
Sputum undiluted in an IATA-approved sterile screw-capped plastic container. 1.0 mL (0.5 mL minimum).
CSF and body fluids undiluted in an IATA-approved sterile screw-capped plastic container. 1.0 mL (0.5 mL minimum).
Bone marrow in EDTA. 1.0 mL (0.5 mL minimum).
Plasma, EDTA (lavender top) 1.0 mL (0.5 mL minimum)
Alternate Specimen:
The Laboratory Director or Supervisor must approve testing of specimens other than those listed above.
Refer To
Warde LabsTransport
Refrigerated
Preferred Transport Temperature
Refrigerated
Stability
Ambient: 3 days
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen (-20°C): 14 days
Frozen (-70°C): 3 months
Minimum Testing Volume
See Collecion Instructions
Reference Range
Negative
Methodology
Polymerase chain reaction amplification and real-time DNA detection. This assay detects the presence of a conserved region of VZV open reading frame 62. The analytical sensitivity of this assay is 50 copies/mL.
Performed
Monday – Saturday
Reported
3 Days
CPT Codes
87798
Unacceptable Conditions
Specimens in Amplicor, EIA, Gen-Probe, or ProbeTec transport media.
Specimens in bacteriological blood culture media.
Dry swabs, calcium alginate swabs, and swabs in gel transports.
Culturettes older than 24 hours.
Specimens received in non-sterile or leaking containers.
Serum.