Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV) PCR - blood specimen
- LIS Mnemonic: VZVPCR
Collect
Lavendar (EDTA)
Volume Required
4-7 ml; for infants a volume of 2-4 ml is acceptable
Minimum Required
4 ml; for infants a volume of 2 ml is acceptable
Transport
Transport blood in a timely fashion (preferrably within 8 hours of collection) at room temperature to the Clinical Virology Laboratory.
Unacceptable conditions
Clotted specimens
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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