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Varicella-Zoster Virus DNA, Quantitative Real-Time PCR
Test CodeVZPCRQT
Quest Code
19493
CPT Codes
87799
Preferred Specimen
1 mL whole blood collected in an EDTA (lavender-top) tube or
1 mL CSF collected in a sterile plastic leak-proof container
1 mL CSF collected in a sterile plastic leak-proof container
Minimum Volume
0.3 mL
Transport Temperature
Refrigerated (cold packs)
Specimen Stability
Whole blood
Room temperature: 48 hours
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: Unacceptable
All other samples
Room temperature: 48 hours
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 30 days
Room temperature: 48 hours
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: Unacceptable
All other samples
Room temperature: 48 hours
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 30 days
Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
Heparin whole blood
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
Set up: Mon-Sat; Report available: 1-2 days
Reference Range
| Varicella Zoster Virus DNA, QN RT PCR | Not Detected (copies/mL) |
| Varicella Zoster Virus DNA, QN RT PCR | Not Detected (Log copies/mL) |
Clinical Significance
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 varicella 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 progressive disease state with involvement of multiple organs, including the lungs, liver, eyes, and central nervous system.
This assay can measure viral loads as low as 500 copies/mL and as high as 2,000,000 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 progressive disease state with involvement of multiple organs, including the lungs, liver, eyes, and central nervous system.
This assay can measure viral loads as low as 500 copies/mL and as high as 2,000,000 copies/mL. The virus may also be detected at less than the measurable amount; these results will be reported as "<500, Detected".
Performing Laboratory
Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute
33608 Ortega Highway
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675-2042
