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Tzanck Smear for Herpes


TEST DIRECTORY
Test Name
Tzanck Smear for Herpes
Description
Cytopathologic evaluation for the detection and characterization of inflammatory or infectious processes of the skin, especially herpetic lesions.
Test Code
455
SPECIMEN REQUIREMENTS
Supplies for Submission
  • Glass slides
  • No. 2 pencil
  • Spray fixative
  • Curette
  • Saline
Specimen Collection
  1. Label slides with patient’s full first and last name, using a pencil.
  2. Write "Tzanck Specimen" and the source on the requisition.
  3. Remove crust or dome from lesion and clean away exudate.
  4. Moisten the slide with ethanol just prior to collection.
  5. Scrape margins or denuded base of lesion with curette (not cotton-tipped applicator). For lesions of dry surfaces, such as skin and vulva, it is helpful to moisten the lesion with saline before scraping it.
  6. Quickly spread material on the ethanol-moistened slide.
  7. Spray-fix the specimen with cytology fixative immediately.
Storage Requirements
Store specimens at room temperature (15 to 30°C) until transported. DO NOT freeze.
Causes for Rejections
Click here for Specimen Rejection Criteria.
GENERAL AND TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Turn Around Time
2-3 days
Limitations
  • Specimens in incorrect fixative (such as formalin) may only be processed as cell blocks.
  • Allowing specimens to dry before fixation will render them unsatisfactory for cytologic evaluation.
  • Ulcerated lesions or lesions that are not cleansed or punctured properly are not diagnostic, yielding only superficial cells and debris.
CPT Code
87207