Varicella‑Zoster Virus, Rapid Method, Culture
Also known as: Herpes Zoster, Chicken Pox
Use
This test aids in the diagnosis of disease caused by varicella‑zoster virus (VZV), such as chickenpox and shingles, through rapid culture methods combined with immunofluorescence.
Special Instructions
Specimen types include vesicular lesion swab, throat swab, tissue biopsy, eye swab, CSF, tracheal aspirate, bronchial lavage/wash, sputum, or tissue biopsy in VCM (green‑cap) medium or equivalent. To maintain viability, refrigerate at 2‑8 °C or keep on wet ice during transit; if delayed, specimens in VCM should be frozen at −70 °C or colder and sent on dry ice. Raw/unpreserved samples should not be frozen (should be refrigerated only). Indicate source on specimen and requisition.
Limitations
Not specified in available content.
Methodology
Cell-based / Cytometry
Biomarkers
Result Turnaround Time
4-6 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Tumor Tissue
Volume
3 mL
Minimum Volume
1 mL
Container
VCM medium (green‑cap) tube or equivalent
Collection Instructions
Place swab or fluid into VCM (equal volumes of fluid and VCM) or equivalent; indicate source on specimen and batch sheet.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerate at 2‑8 °C or keep on wet ice; if long delay, freeze at −70 °C or colder and transport on dry ice; do not freeze raw/unpreserved samples.
Causes for Rejection
Wooden shaft swabs; raw (unpreserved) stool; dry swabs; transwabs or gel‑based transport medium; tissues in formalin or other fixatives; AVANTIK viral media.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | Unacceptable |
| Refrigerated | 72 Hours |
| Frozen | 30 Days |