A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z #

Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV), RT PCR Qualitative (CSF Only)

Test Code
VZVCSFPCR


Preferred Specimen
0.5mL – 1.0mL of CSF in a sterile leak-proof container


Minimum Volume
0.5mL of CSF
Note: Blood CSF samples are acceptable


Transport Temperature
Refrigerated


Specimen Stability
  • Refrigerated: 72 hours
  • Frozen: >72 hours


Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
  • Specimen types other than CSF
  • Specimen is at room temperature
  • Specimen is past stability


Methodology
Qualitative VZV PCR test

Report Available
Turnaround time is 12 hours


Reference Range
Not Detected


Clinical Significance
Varicella Zoster virus (human herpesvirus type 3) can remain latent in the dorsal ganglion root and can reactivate due to aging or immunosuppression. This qualitative assay is utilized for the detection of VZV DNA in cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) from patients exhibiting signs and/or symptoms of meningitis and/or encephalitis.


Performing Laboratory
  • Banner Gateway Medical Center
  • Banner University Medial Center Tucson
  • Banner McKee Medical Center




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.