Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV) DNA, Qualitative Real-Time PCR

VZVDQ

Specimen Type: Whole Blood, EDTA

Collection Container/Type

Preferred: Lavender top (EDTA)

Acceptable: Yellow top (ACD Solution B) or

CSF collected in a sterile container or

Bronchial wash/brush collected in a sterile container or

Lesion swab collected in VCM or equivalent (UTM, M4) or

Eye fluid (vitreous) collected in sterile container

Specimen Volume: 1 mL all other specimens

0.5 mL Eye fluid

0.3 mL all other specimens

0.2 mL eye fluid

Refrigerated (cold packs)

Whole blood

Room temperature: 48 hours

Refrigerated: 8 days

Frozen: Unacceptabl

 

All other specimens

Room temperature: 48 hours

Refrigerated: 8 days

Frozen: 30 days

Not detected

This test is used for detection of Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV) DNA in spectrum of clinical samples in individuals suspected or presenting with signs and symptoms of clinical VZV infection. Qualitative VZV PCR results can aid in diagnosis of cutaneous, subcutaneous, and visceral varicella.

VZV is a member of the Herpesviridae family that causes two distinct clinical diseases in the infected individual. Varicella, or more commonly chickenpox, is the primary infection and is characterized by a generalized exanthematous rash. After primary infection, VZV characteristically becomes latent. Reactivation of the virus results in herpes zoster, or shingles, which is characterized by a vesicular rash limited to single dermatomes and is often associated with pain and paresthesia. Noncutaneous sites of VZV involvement after chickenpox or reactivation most frequently involve the central nervous system (CNS) and are manifested as acute cerebellar ataxia, encephalitis, meningitis, transverse myelitis, or Reye syndrome. Varicella pneumonitis is a serious complication of chickenpox that may be manifested as tachypnea, cough, dyspnea, and fever. VZV infection in immunocompromised individuals often leads to progressive disease state with involvement of multiple organs, including the lungs, liver, eyes, and central nervous system.

This assay detects the VZV DNA in skin lesions, cerebro- spinal fluid (CSF), respiratory and eye specimens and whole blood. Detection of VZV DNA in CSF usually indicates active, not latent, infection. Detection of VZV DNA in appropriate clinical specimens permits rapid and sensitive patient testing.