Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV) PCR - tissue specimens
- LIS Mnemonic: VZVPCR
Collect
Tissue specimen in viral transport medium
Volume Required
N/A
Minimum Required
punch biopsy size
Transport
Keep specimen at 4C
Processing
Biopsy tissue from specific organs, including lung, liver, and brain. If an extended delay in transport of specimens is anticipated, rapidly freeze the specimens to at least -60°C and transport to the laboratory on dry ice. Please consult the laboratory if necessary.
Unacceptable conditions
Tissue not in viral transport medium
Days Performed
Daily
Reported
Same day
Reflex Testing
N/A
CPT
87798
Methodology
Amplification and detection of VZV DNA glycoprotein B ORF 62 gene using TaqMan real-time PCR technology. This test is performed pursuant to an agreement with Roche Molecular Systems, Inc.
Interpretation
If positive, results are reported as varicella-zoster virus DNA detected.
Reference Values
Negative or no varicella-zoster virus DNA detected
Remarks
Clinical Utility: Test can be used on children and adults with primary (chicken pox or varicella) or recurrent herpes zoster (shingles) infections. Teens & adults are at risk for more severe disease with pneumonia following chicken pox. Immunocompromised hosts and newborns are at risk for life-threatening pneumonia, encephalitis, hepatitis, and progressive-disseminated varicella. The elderly and immunocompromised are at risk for recurrent herpes zoster.
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