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Tzanck Smear
Test CodeTzanck Smear
CPT Codes
88160
Instructions
If the lesion is moist:
-Open the bottle of fixative.
-Scrape the lesion with a tongue depressor, or scalpel blade.
-Smear the material from the blade onto a glass slide that is held over the open bottle of fixative and immediately place the slide into the fixative.
If the lesion is dry or has a necrotic and inflammatory surface:
-Open the bottle of fixative.
-Gently moisten and remove the necrotic debris with a non-absorbent cotton swab that has
been dipped in saline.
-Discard the swab and debris.
-Using a second non-absorbent cotton swab that has been moistened with saline, gently rub the
margins of the lesion.
-Quickly roll the swab on a glass slide that is held over the open bottle of fixative and
immediately place the slide into the fixative.
Each submitted slide must be properly labeled.
-Open the bottle of fixative.
-Scrape the lesion with a tongue depressor, or scalpel blade.
-Smear the material from the blade onto a glass slide that is held over the open bottle of fixative and immediately place the slide into the fixative.
If the lesion is dry or has a necrotic and inflammatory surface:
-Open the bottle of fixative.
-Gently moisten and remove the necrotic debris with a non-absorbent cotton swab that has
been dipped in saline.
-Discard the swab and debris.
-Using a second non-absorbent cotton swab that has been moistened with saline, gently rub the
margins of the lesion.
-Quickly roll the swab on a glass slide that is held over the open bottle of fixative and
immediately place the slide into the fixative.
Each submitted slide must be properly labeled.
Transport Temperature
Room Temperature.
Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
Specimens submitted on cotton swab will be rejected.
Report Available
2 days
