Post-Transplant, Varicella-Zoster Virus DNA, Real-Time PCR, Blood

Test Code

18146

CPT Codes
87799

Preferred Specimen

1 mL whole blood collected in an EDTA (lavender-top) tube

Minimum Volume

0.5 mL

Instructions

For Shipper collection please see detailed instructions in Test Resources

Transport Temperature

Refrigerated (cold packs)

Specimen Stability

Room temperature: 48 hours
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: Unacceptable

Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)

Samples collected in sodium or lithium heparin

Methodology
Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction

FDA Status
This test was developed and its analytical performance characteristics have been determined by Quest Diagnostics. It has not been cleared or approved by FDA. This assay has been validated pursuant to the CLIA regulations and is used for clinical purposes.

Setup Schedule

Monday-Sunday Morning
Report available: Next Day

Reference Range

VZV DNA, QN PCR	Not Detected (copies/mL)
VZV DNA, QN PCR	Not Detected (Log copies/mL)

Clinical Significance

Varicella-Zoster virus (VZV) is a member of the Herpesviridae family that causes chickenpox as a primary infection and can reactivate later in life as herpes zoster or shingles. VZV infection in immunocompromised individuals often leads to a progressive disease state involving multiple organs. The detection of Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV) DNA is based upon the real-time amplification and detection of specific VZV genomic DNA sequences by PCR from total DNA extracted from the specimen. Reportable range is 500 to 2,000,000 copies/mL (2.70 to 6.30 Log copies/mL).

The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.