Varicella-Zoster Virus DNA, Qualitative, Real-Time PCR

Test code

34052

CPT code(s)*

87798

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Clinical significance

Varicella-Zoster Virus DNA, Qualitative, Real-Time PCR - 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…

Test resources

None found for this test
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Details

Test details

Methodology

Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction

Assay category

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.

Alternative name(s)

Herpes Zoster,Shingles,Chicken Pox,VZV DNA,HHV3

Specimen requirements
Patient preparation	None Specified
Preferred specimen(s)	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 Lesion swab collected in VCM (green-cap) tube or equivalent (UTM) or M4 or 0.3 mL undiluted vitreous (eye) fluid collected in sterile plastic leak-proof container
Minimum volume	0.3 mL • 0.25 mL vitreous (eye) fluid
Collection instructions	Raw vitreous (eye) fluid specimens: Do not dilute collected specimen with additional saline or other transport media
Transport container	Whole blood: EDTA (lavender-top) tube Lesion swab: VCM, UTM, or M4 All others: Sterile plastic leak-proof container
Transport temperature	Undiluted vitreous (eye) fluid: Frozen All other specimens: 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
Reject criteria	Heparin whole blood

Reference range(s)

Not detected

LOINC® codes

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Service Area Information

Performing lab & setup schedule

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Service Area Information

Reference ranges are provided as general guidance only. To interpret test results use the reference range in the laboratory report.

*The CPT codes provided are based on AMA guidance and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payer being billed.

This material contains content from LOINC® (http://loinc.org). The LOINC Table, LOINC Table Core are copyright © 1995-2019, Regenstrief Institute, Inc. and the Logical Observation Identifiers Names and Codes (LOINC) Committee and is available at no cost under the license at http://loinc.org/license.

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