VZV-Varicella Zoster Virus DNAdetection by PCR CSF

CLINICAL UTILITY – detect varicella zoster virus in blood, CSF, ocular fluid, tissue or vesicle fluid

METHODOLOGY – polymerase chain reaction (PCR)

TURN AROUND TIME – 4 days

PATIENT PREPARATION –

COLLECT – lavender (EDTA), pink or serum separator tube, or CSF, ocular fluid, or vesicle fluid

SPECIMEN PREPARATION – transfer 1 ml serum, plasma, CSF, or ocular fluid to a sterile container. Transfer tissue to a sterile container and freeze immediately. Transfer vesicle fluid to a transport media

STORAGE/TRANSPORT TEMPERATURE – frozen

STABILITY –

Tissue – frozen: 3 months

All other – ambient: 24 hours; refrigerated: 5 days; frozen: 3 months

UNACCEPTABLE CONDITIONS – heparinized specimens

MRP – 2500

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS – clinical history is mandatory