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Varicella zoster Culture now VZV PCR
Short Description : Varicella zoster Culture is no longer available

Other
Test performed by: LabPLUS VIM Molecular Diagnostics

Full clinical details are essential. This enables the laboratory to select appropriate tests and request additional specimens where necessary to establish the diagnosis. Additional consultation may be indicated.

Rash caused by varicella virus may be difficult clinically to distinguish from the rash caused by herpes simplex virus. For this reason herpes simplex PCR is also performed on samples for which VZV PCR is requested.

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.

Specimen Collection
1 Units UTM Kit Flocked Swab (Always Required)
Diagnostic Use and Interpretation
Members of the herpes virus family remain in the body for life and may reactivate at intervals. Primary varicella infection with disseminated vesicles is called Chicken pox . In New Zealand, primary infection is usually in childhood. Herpes zoster, or reactivation of virus is usually unilateral and dermatomal and is popularly known as shingles. Rash affecting the ophthalmic division of the facial nerve or the 8 ^th cranial nerve should be treated as an emergency.

Varicella zoster virus can infect the central nervous system, causing meningitis (particularly during the reactivation disease herpes zoster) or encephalitis, where varicella zoster virus infects the cerebral blood vessels.

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

Specimen Transport Instructions for Referring Laboratories
Keep refrigerated

VZV culture is no longer available.

Last updated at 08:21:48 21/01/2020