Newcastle Laboratories

VZV PCR

Clinical Background:

This is a PCR assay used to detect varicella zoster virus (VZV) DNA. This test is used on lesion swabs for the diagnosis of chickenpox and shingles in cases where there is clinical uncertainty or w...

This is a PCR assay used to detect varicella zoster virus (VZV) DNA. This test is used on lesion swabs for the diagnosis of chickenpox and shingles in cases where there is clinical uncertainty or where confirmation is important (e.g. the severely immunocompromised) and as part of the standard viral screen in CSF samples from suspected VZV encephalitis and meningitis. The assay is seldom useful in blood samples, except in highly immunocompromised patients who can present without rash.

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Test Details

  • Discipline:

    Microbiology

    Microbiology

  • Specimen Container Adult:

    CSF, vesicle fluid in sterile universal, lesion swabs in viral transport media

    CSF, vesicle fluid in sterile universal, lesion swabs in viral transport media

  • Specimen Container Paediatric:

    CSF, vesicle fluid in sterile universal, lesion swabs in viral transport media

    CSF, vesicle fluid in sterile universal, lesion swabs in viral transport media

  • Minimum Volume Adult:

    200ul CSF or fluid, 1 swab from site

    200ul CSF or fluid, 1 swab from site

  • Minimum Volume Paediatric:

    200ul CSF or fluid, 1 swab from site

    200ul CSF or fluid, 1 swab from site

  • Special Requirement:

    Send to laboratory as quickly as possible. If delays likely, refrigerate at 2-8 deg C

    Send to laboratory as quickly as possible. If delays likely, refrigerate at 2-8 deg C

  • Sample Stability:

    Stable for up to 24 hours

    Stable for up to 24 hours

  • Transport Requirements:

    Standard

    Standard

  • Add On Test:

    Possible up to 5 days

    Possible up to 5 days

  • Quality Assurance:

    External Quality Assurance Scheme

    External Quality Assurance Scheme

  • Reference Ranges:

    None available

    None available

  • Factors Affecting Result:

    If delays likely, refrigerate at 2-8 deg C

    If delays likely, refrigerate at 2-8 deg C

Availability:

Performed daily during core hours. May be processed outside core hours if sanctioned by the microbiologist on-call.

Turn Around:

3 days

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