TZANCK SMEAR

Test Code

LAB3041020

Includes

Slide reviewed and interpreted by pathologist.

Preferred Specimen

Sample placed on sterile slide

Instructions

Collect specimen on sterile swab. Smear swab on sterile slide. Slide should be labeled with “Tzanck”, patient name, patient MRN, and date of collection. Let slide dry and submit to lab immediately. Only the laboratory will process slides. Call Hematology lab at 74230 with questions prior to collection.

Specimen Stability

Take to laboratory immediately.

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

Any specimen type sent to the lab other than a slide (swabs, specimen tubes will not be processed by the laboratory), broken slide and slides not labeled properly.

Methodology
Manual slide review

Setup Schedule

Sunday-Saturday

Reference Range

This result is interpreted by a pathologist as follows:
Negative: No viral cytopathic changes seen.
Positive: Viral cytopathic changes seen.
Indeterminate: Repeat testing suggested if clinically indicated.

Performing Laboratory
West Virginia University Hospital, Inc.

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.