Varicella zoster PCR
Blood
Test performed by: LabPLUS VIM Molecular Diagnostics
Varicella zoster PCR is performed using the Roche Lightmix
Kit HSV-1/2 / VZV assay. The lower limit of detection for HSV-1 / HSV-2 / VZV is approximately 1000 copies/ml.
NOTE:
Blood is NOT an appropriate specimen for the majority of clinical problems.
The Clinical Virologist at LabPLUS
MUST
be contacted BEFORE requesting VZV PCR on blood.
Specimen Collection
4 mL EDTA Whole Blood (Preferred)
5 mL CPD Whole Blood
Turnaround Time: Between 2 days and 3 days
CSF
Test performed by: LabPLUS VIM Molecular Diagnostics
Specimen Collection
2 mL Sterile Container CSF (Always Required)NOTE: HSV DNA is now routinely tested on CSF in conjunction with VZV.
Turnaround Time: Between 2 days and 3 days
Tissue
Test performed by: LabPLUS VIM Molecular Diagnostics
Specimen Collection
1 Sample Sterile Container Tissue (Always Required)
Turnaround Time: Between 2 days and 3 days
Swab
Test performed by: LabPLUS VIM Molecular Diagnostics
VZV swabs will be processed from the following areas/clinical situations. Please note, sufficient clinical detail must be provided on the request form.
-
Inpatient areas
-
Dermatology
-
Antenatal/pregnant patients where there is a risk of congenital transmission
-
Immunocompromised patients
-
Neonates
Community swabs that fall outside of the above categories will not routinely be processed. Please contact the
Virology team
for further discussion of such cases.
Specimen Collection
1 Sample Viral Swab (Always Required)
Turnaround Time: Between 2 days and 3 days
Diagnostic Use and Interpretation
HSV PCR
Contact Information
For further information contact the laboratory (contact via Lablink: 22000 or (09) 307-8995 or 0800 522 7587) ,or:
the Virology team
virology@adhb.govt.nz
Last updated at 13:34:55 09/06/2020