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Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV) DNA, Qualitative Real‐Time PCR : 34052
Test CodePTVZVL or 34052
CPT Codes
87798
Preferred Specimen
1 mL (0.3 mL minimum) whole blood collected in an EDTA (lavender-top) tube or
CSF, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), or bronchial wash/brush collected in a sterile, plastic leak-proof container or
Lesion swab collected in a VCM (green-cap) tube or equivalent (UTM) or M4 or
0.3 mL (0.25 mL minimum) undiluted vitreous (eye) fluid collected in a sterile, plastic leak-proof container
CSF, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), or bronchial wash/brush collected in a sterile, plastic leak-proof container or
Lesion swab collected in a VCM (green-cap) tube or equivalent (UTM) or M4 or
0.3 mL (0.25 mL minimum) undiluted vitreous (eye) fluid collected in a sterile, plastic leak-proof container
Instructions
Raw vitreous (eye) fluid specimens: Do not dilute collected specimen with additional saline or other transport media
Transport Temperature
Whole blood, CSF, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), bronchial wash/brush, lesion swab: Refrigerated
Undiluted vitreous (eye) fluid: Frozen
Undiluted vitreous (eye) fluid: Frozen
Specimen Stability
Whole blood
Room temperature: 48 hours; Refrigerated: 7 days; Frozen: Unacceptable
All other specimens
Room temperature: 48 hours; Refrigerated: 7 days; Frozen: 30 days
Room temperature: 48 hours; Refrigerated: 7 days; Frozen: Unacceptable
All other specimens
Room temperature: 48 hours; Refrigerated: 7 days; Frozen: 30 days
Methodology
Real‐Time Polymerase Chain Reaction
Setup Schedule
Monday - Saturday
Report Available
1-3 days
Limitations
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.
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.
Reference Range
Not Detected
Clinical Significance
Varicella-Zoster Virus DNA, Qualitative, Real-Time PCR - 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, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), respiratory and undiluted 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.
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, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), respiratory and undiluted 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.
Performing Laboratory
med fusion
