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Varicella Zoster Quantitative by PCR

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Updated Test Information:

Test Description
Varicella Zoster Quantitative by PCR
Synonym(s)

PCR-VZ, Varicella Zoster Virus by PCR, VZ Virus by PCR, UOW612
Test ID
VZVQN
General Information

The detection and quantitation of Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV) by real-time PCR amplification. The primers used in this PCR reaction amplify a fragment of the ORF62 region. Quantitation 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.
Container Type

Blood: 3 mL blood in EDTA (LAVENDER TOP) tube.


Clear non-cellular fluid (e.g. BAL or Washing): 1 mL in sterile container.


Also Acceptable: 3 mL blood in GOLD SST, RED, or PPT (PEARL TOP) tube.
Specimen Type

Plasma or Clear non-cellular fluid (e.g. BAL, or Washing)
Specimen Requirements

 1mL


Separate specimens MUST be submitted when both Viral Culture/Serology and PCR testing are ordered.
Specimen Collection / Processing Instructions

Blood: Separate plasma/serum from whole blood within 24 hours of collection. 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.


Clear non-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.
Minimum Sample Volume

0.5 mL
Unacceptable Specimen Conditions

Plasma collected in sodium or lithium heparin.
Department (code)

Virology
Methodology

Real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction
Testing Schedule

Tuesday, Friday
Test Includes

VZVQNS            VZV Quant Specimen Descp.
VZVQNR           VZV Quant Result
VZVLOG           VZV DNA Copies/mL (Log 10)
VZVQNI            VZV Quant Interp.
CPT Code(s)

87799
STAT Orderable (Y/N)

No
Performing Lab

UW
LOINC Code(s)