Ordering Recommendation

Detect varicella-zoster virus in blood, CSF, ocular fluid, tissue, or vesicle fluid.

New York DOH Approval Status

This test is New York state approved.

Specimen Required

Patient Preparation
Collect

Lavender (EDTA), pink (K2EDTA), or serum separator tube (SST).
OR CSF, ocular fluid, tissue, or vesicle fluid.

Specimen Preparation

Separate serum or plasma from cells. Transfer 1 mL serum, plasma, CSF, or ocular fluid to a sterile container. (Min: 0.5 mL)
Tissue: Transfer to a sterile container and freeze immediately.
Vesicle Fluid: Transfer to viral transport media (ARUP supply #12884). Available online through eSupply using ARUP Connect(TM) or contact ARUP Client Services at 800-522-2787.

Storage/Transport Temperature

Preferred transport temp: Frozen.

Unacceptable Conditions

Heparinized specimens, tissues in optimal cutting temperature compound.

Remarks

Specimen source required .

Stability

Tissue: Room temperature: Unacceptable; Refrigerated: Unacceptable; Frozen: 3 months
All others: Room temperature: 1 day; Refrigerated: 5 days; Frozen: 3 months

Methodology

Qualitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

Performed

Sun-Sat

Reported

1-3 days

Reference Interval

Interpretive Data



Compliance Category

Laboratory Developed Test (LDT)

Note

Hotline History

N/A

CPT Codes

87798

Components

Component Test Code* Component Chart Name LOINC
0050111 Varicella-Zoster Virus Source 31208-2
0060042 Varicella-Zoster Virus by PCR 11483-5
* Component test codes cannot be used to order tests. The information provided here is not sufficient for interface builds; for a complete test mix, please click the sidebar link to access the Interface Map.

Aliases

  • Herpes Zoster
  • VZV
  • VZV molecular detection
  • VZV PCR
Varicella-Zoster Virus by PCR