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Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV) DNA, Qualitative Real-Time PCR
Test Code34052
CPT Codes
87798
Preferred Specimen
1 mL whole blood collected in an EDTA (lavender-top) tube or
1 mL CSF, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), or bronchial wash/brush collected in a sterile plastic leak-proof container or
1 mL lesion swab collected in VCM (green-cap) tube or equivalent (UTM) or M4 or
0.5 mL vitreous (eye) fluid collected in sterile plastic leak-proof container
1 mL CSF, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), or bronchial wash/brush collected in a sterile plastic leak-proof container or
1 mL lesion swab collected in VCM (green-cap) tube or equivalent (UTM) or M4 or
0.5 mL vitreous (eye) fluid collected in sterile plastic leak-proof container
Minimum Volume
0.3 mL • 0.2 mL eye fluid
Transport Temperature
Refrigerated (cold packs)
Specimen Stability
Whole blood
Room temperature: 48 hours
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: Unacceptable
All other specimen types
Room temperature: 48 hours
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 30 days
Room temperature: 48 hours
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: Unacceptable
All other specimen types
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 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. This assay has been validated pursuant to the CLIA regulations and is used for clinical purposes.
Setup Schedule
Set up: Daily; Report available: 1-2 days
Reference Range
Not detected
Clinical Significance
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, cerebro- spinal fluid (CSF), respiratory and 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, cerebro- spinal fluid (CSF), respiratory and 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
Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute
14225 Newbrook Drive
Chantilly, VA 20153
