Laboratory Services
Varicella Zoster Qualitative by PCR, Tissue or Cells
Print this pageUpdated Test Information:
| Test Description |
Varicella Zoster Qualitative by PCR, Tissue or Cells
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|---|---|---|
| Synonym(s) |
VZ by PCR-Tissue or Cells, V Zoster Virus by PCR-Tissue or Cells, UOW518 |
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| Test ID |
VZVQLT
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| General Information |
The detection of Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV) by real-time PCR amplification. The primers used in this PCR reaction amplify a fragment of the ORF62 region. Detection of VZV DNA (copies/mL) is achieved by amplifying a standard curve in each run, consisting of serial dilutions of a known amount of DNA containing the VZV amplicons. The minimum virus level that gives a positive result in 95% of replicates is 75 copies/mL (1.88 log copies/mL). Results are reported in copies per milliliter (copies/mL). This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by the University of Washington Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology. It has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. |
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| Container Type |
Tissue Biopsy: Pea size amount in sterile tube or universal transport media (UTM). Paraffin Tissue: DO NOT SEND ENTIRE BLOCK and DO NOT SEND SLIDES. Slice 3-4 slices that are 5-50 micron thick in sterile tube. Bone Marrow: 5 mL blood in EDTA (LAVENDER TOP) tube. No Heparin aspirate in syringe. Cellular fluid: 1 mL in sterile tube. |
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| Specimen Type |
Tissue Biopsy, Paraffin Tissue, Bone Marrow or Cellular fluid (e.g. BAL or Washing) |
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| Specimen Requirements |
Separate specimens MUST be submitted when both Viral Culture/Serology and PCR testing are ordered. |
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| Specimen Collection / Processing Instructions |
Tissue Biopsy: Freeze at -10°C or colder and ship on dry ice. If freezer and/or dry ice is not available, ship immediately at 2-8°C (ice pack). Sample may be stored at 2-8°C (ice pack) for up to 48 hours of collection. Samples stored at 2-8°C greater than 48 hours old may be rejected. Do not freeze/thaw. Paraffin Tissue: Ship at room temperature. Bone Marrow: Ship at room temperature within 24 hours of collection. Cellular fluid: Freeze at -10°C or colder and ship on dry ice. If freezer and/or dry ice is not available, ship immediately at 2-8°C (ice pack). Sample may be stored at 2-8°C (ice pack) for up to 48 hours of collection. Samples stored at 2-8°C greater than 48 hours old may be rejected. Do not freeze/thaw. |
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| Minimum Sample Volume |
0.5 mL |
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| Unacceptable Specimen Conditions |
nacceptable samples: Buffy coat collected with heparin syringe. Paraffin slides. |
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| Department (code) |
Virology, Eastlake |
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| Methodology |
Real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction |
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| Testing Schedule |
Extraction Tuesday and Friday. PCR following Wednesday and Monday respectively. |
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| Test Includes |
VZVQLS VZV Qual.Specimen Descp. |
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| CPT Code(s) |
87798 |
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| STAT Orderable (Y/N) |
No |
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| Performing Lab |
UW |
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| LOINC Code(s) |
