Specimen Requirements
Title
Varicella Zoster Virus PCR
Specimen Requirement
Specimen Preparation
Specimen source is required.
Swab specimens (vesicle, ocular) in viral transport medium (M4 Transport tube).
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.
Sputum undiluted in an IATA-approved sterile screw capped plastic container. 1.0 mL.
CSF and body fluids undiluted in an IATA-approved sterile screw capped plastic container. 1.0 mL.
Bone marrow 1.0 mL sent in an EDTA tube.
Blood: Collect lavender EDTA/1.0 mL plasma sent in a screw top plastic vial.
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.
Stability
Room temp: 3 days, Refrigerated: 14 days, Frozen: 14 days
Reference Range
The reference ranges are determined by the performing laboratory and will show on the report.
Turnaround
2 days performed Monday-Saturday
Clinical Use
Test Code
VZVW