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Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV) DNA, Quantitative Real‐Time PCR : 19493
Test CodePTVZQT or 19493
CPT Codes
87799
Transport Container
Preferred Specimens
1 ml (0.3 ml minimum) whole blood collected in EDTA (lavender‐top) tube.
1 ml (0.3 ml minimum) CSF collected in a sterile, plastic, leak‐proof container.
1 ml (0.3 ml minimum) whole blood collected in EDTA (lavender‐top) tube.
1 ml (0.3 ml minimum) CSF collected in a sterile, plastic, leak‐proof container.
Transport Temperature
Refrigerated.
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
Sunday - Saturday
Report Available
1-3 days
Reference Range
Not Detected
Clinical Significance
Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV) DNA, Quantitative Real‐Time PCR - This test is used for detection and quantification of Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV) DNA in spectrum of clinical samples in individuals suspected or presenting with signs and symptoms of clinical VZV infection. Quantitative VZV PCR results can aid in diagnosis and assessing treatment response of visceral varicella1 in immunocompromised patients, as well as determining the severity of neurological disease due to VZV infection.
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 a progressive disease state with involvement of multiple organs, including the lungs, liver, eyes and central nervous system.
Reportable range is 500 to 2,000,000 copies/mL (2.70 to 6.30 Log copies/mL). The virus may also be detected at less than the measurable amount; these results will be reported as “<500, Detected.”
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 a progressive disease state with involvement of multiple organs, including the lungs, liver, eyes and central nervous system.
Reportable range is 500 to 2,000,000 copies/mL (2.70 to 6.30 Log copies/mL). The virus may also be detected at less than the measurable amount; these results will be reported as “<500, Detected.”
Performing Laboratory
med fusion
