Virus Culture, Rapid, Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV)
Also known as: Chickenpox Culture, Culture, Varicella Zoster Virus, Shingles Culture, VZV Culture
Use
Aid in the diagnosis of disease caused by varicella-zoster virus (ie, chickenpox and shingles)
Special Instructions
If a reflex test is performed, additional charges and CPT code(s) may apply. Only one specimen should be included per test request form. The exact specimen source, such as a lesion, must be indicated on the test request form. Transport devices should not be used beyond their expiration date.
Limitations
Cell culture of VZV has been reported to be less sensitive than direct antigen detection of VZV by immunofluorescence. The culture is specifically for the isolation of varicella-zoster and other viral agents will not routinely be detected unless specified. If a virus other than VZV is recovered, it will be identified, but an additional charge will apply.
Methodology
Cell-based / Cytometry
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 10860-5
- 10860-5
Result Turnaround Time
5-6 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Body Fluid
Volume
Not provided
Minimum Volume
Not provided
Container
Viral, Chlamydia, or Mycoplasma culture transport
Collection Instructions
Do not prepare collection site with alcohol or iodophors. Vesicle fluid from several vesicles can be pooled and added to viral transport medium. Alternatively, the bases of several freshly unroofed lesions can be vigorously sampled with a sterile swab that should be placed into cold viral transport medium and sent to the laboratory as soon as possible.
Storage Instructions
Keep specimens cold and moist.
Causes for Rejection
Bacterial swab specimen; specimen received in grossly leaking transport container; dry specimen; specimen submitted in fixative or additive; specimen received in expired transport media or incorrect transport device; inappropriate specimen transport conditions; specimen received after prolonged delay in transport (usually more than 72 hours); specimen stored or transported at room temperature; wooden shaft swab in transport device; unlabeled specimen or name discrepancy between specimen and request label
Other tests from different labs that may be relevant