Laboratory Services

Varicella Zoster Rapid PCR, Swab or CSF

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Updated Test Information:

Test Description
Varicella Zoster Rapid PCR, Swab or CSF
Synonym(s)

UOW3701

Test ID
VZVRPD
General Information

The DiaSorin Simplexa™ Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV) Direct FDA approved assay is a rapid real-time PCR that enables the direct amplification, detection of VZV from both cutaneous and mucocutaneous swab specimens and CSF specimens. A well conserved region of the VZV DNA polymerase gene is targeted to identify VZV in the specimen. Results are reported as Detected or NOT detected and a semi-qualitative result is provided by reporting the PCR Cycle threshold (Ct) value for positive specimens.

Container Type

Swab: Acceptable specimen types are cutaneous and mucocutaneous swabs stored in UTM, Remel M4, Remel M4RT, Remel M5, or Remel M6 transport media. Follow the manufacturers’ package inserts for collection media and acceptable swab types. Do not use calcium alginate swabs, as they may contain substances that inhibit PCR testing.


CSF: 1 mL in sterile container

Specimen Type

Swab or CSF

Specimen Requirements

 1 mL

Specimen Collection / Processing Instructions

Swabs: Transport specimens on ice, store at 2 to 8°C for up to 7 days post collection. If there is a greater than 7 days delay before testing of the specimen, store specimen at -60 to -85°C. Do not freeze/thaw.


CSF: If CSF has cellular material, centrifuge & aliquot clear CSF. Transport CSF on ice, store at 2 to 8°C for up to 7 days post collection. If there is a greater than 7 days delay before testing of the specimen, store specimen at -60 to -85°C. Do not freeze/thaw.

Minimum Sample Volume

 0.1 mL

Unacceptable Specimen Conditions

Calcium alginate swabs, they may contain substances that inhibit PCR testing.

Department (code)

Clinical Virology

Methodology

Real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction

Testing Schedule

Monday- Friday 07:00- 21:00, Saturday and Sunday 09:00-16:00

Test Includes

VZVRSD         Varicella Zoster PCR, Specimen Desc
VZVRR            Varicella Zoster PCR, Result
VZVCT            Varicella Zoster PCR, CT Value
VZVRIN         Varicella Zoster PCR, Interpretation

CPT Code(s)

87798

Performing Lab

UW

LOINC Code(s)