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VZV by PCR


TEST DIRECTORY
Test Name
VZV by PCR
Alternate Names
Varicella-Zoster virus
Description
Detection of Varicella-Zoster virus by realtime PCR.
Test Code
53052
SPECIMEN REQUIREMENTS
Specimen Requirements
Submit only one (1) of the following specimens:
APTIMA® Multitest Swab (orange) specimen
Viral transport media swab.
Specimen Collection
  • Vaginal or lesion swab – please refer to instructions in Collection of Vaginal Swab Specimens Using the APTIMA® Multitest Swab Specimen Kit.
  • Swab specimen – swab the lesion, using sufficient pressure to ensure good contact of the swab with the lesion. Gently rotate the swab. Remove the cap from the specimen transport tube and immediately place the swab into the tube. Carefully break the shaft against the side of the tube at the scoreline, then discard the top portion of the swab shaft. Tightly recap the tube.
Storage Requirements
Swab specimens are stable if stored at 2-30°C for 60 days.
Causes for Rejections
GENERAL AND TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Turn Around Time
2-4 days
Methodology
Real time PCR
Limitations
  • Test results may be affected by improper/inadequate specimen collection.
  • A negative result indicates that VZV DNA is not present at detectable quantities. It does not indicate that an individual has never been exposed to VZV, and does not exclude the possibility of latent infection.
CPT Code
87798