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HelpTest ID LVZV Varicella-Zoster Virus, Molecular Detection, PCR
Useful For
Rapid (qualitative) detection of varicella-zoster virus DNA in clinical specimens for laboratory diagnosis of disease due to this virus
Method Name
Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)/DNA Probe
Hybridization
(PCR is utilized pursuant to a license agreement with Roche
Molecular Systems, Inc.)
Reporting Name
Varicella-Zoster Virus PCRSpecimen Type
VariesForms: If ordering electronically, complete, print, and send 1 of the following forms with the specimen:
Microbiology Test Request Form (T244) (http://www.mayomedicallaboratories.com/it-mmfiles/microbiology_test_request_form.pdf)
Neurology Test Request Form-General (T732) (http://www.mayomedicallaboratories.com/it-mmfiles/neurology-request-form.pdf)
Specimen source is required.
Submit only 1 of the following specimens:
Specimen Type: Fluid
Sources: Spinal, body, amniotic, ocular
Container/Tube: Sterile container
Specimen Volume: 0.5 mL
Collection Instructions: Do not centrifuge.
Specimen Type: Miscellaneous
Sources: Dermal, eye, nasal, throat
Container/Tube: BBL CultureSwab (T092)
Specimen Volume: Swab
Collection Instructions: Place swab back into swab cylinder or place in multi-microbe media (M5) (T484) or M4 media.
Specimen Type: Genital
Sources: Cervix, vagina, urethra, anal/rectal, other genital sources
Container/Tube: BBL CultureSwab (T092)
Specimen Volume: Swab
Collection Instructions: Place swab back into swab cylinder or place in multi-microbe media (M5) (T484) or M4 media.
Specimen Type: Respiratory
Sources: Bronchial washing, bronchoalveolar lavage, nasopharyngeal aspirate or washing, sputum, tracheal aspirate
Container/Tube: Sterile container
Specimen Volume: 1.5 mL
Specimen Type: Tissue
Sources: Brain, colon, kidney, liver, lung, etc.
Container/Tube: Sterile container with 1 to 2 mL of sterile saline or multi-microbe medium (M5) (T484)
Specimen Volume: Entire collection
Collection Instructions: Submit only fresh tissue.
Specimen Minimum Volume
Body Fluid, Ocular Fluid, or Spinal Fluid: 0.3 mL/Respiratory: 1 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Varies | Refrigerated (preferred) | 7 days |
| Frozen | 7 days |
Clinical Information
Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) causes both varicella (chickenpox) and herpes zoster (shingles). VZV produces a generalized vesicular rash on the dermis (chickenpox) in normal children, usually before 10 years of age. After primary infection with VZV, the virus persists in latent form and may emerge (usually in adults 50 years of age and older) clinically to cause a unilateral vesicular eruption, generally in a dermatomal distribution (shingles).
Reference Values
Negative
Cautions
A negative result does not exclude the possibility of varicella-zoster virus (VZV) infection.
The reference range is typically "negative" for this assay. This assay is only to be used for patients with a clinical history and symptoms consistent with VZV infection, and must be interpreted in the context of the clinical picture. This test is not used to screen asymptomatic patients.
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Saturday; varies
Report Available
1 day/same dayPerforming Laboratory
Mayo Medical Laboratories in Rochester
Test Classification
This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. This test has not been cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.CPT Code Information
87798