80856:VARICELLA ZOSTER VIRUS (VZV) BY DFA

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80856:VARICELLA ZOSTER VIRUS (VZV) BY DFA
Alias Names: VZV BY DFA
Methodology: Direct Fluorescent Antibody (DFA)
Edit Date: 6/11/2010
Performed: Daily
Released: 48-72 hours after setup at PeaceHealth Laboratories’ reference lab.
CPT Code: 87290-90
Specimen Collection Details
Collection: Swab of a fresh vesicle with cells from the base of the lesion on a Dacron swab with a plastic or fine wire shaft. Place in MicroTest (M4 Media). Break off swab and leave in media. Also acceptable: One or two air dried slides (spread cellular material thinly over a dime size area). Fix in fresh, cold acetone (2-8° C) for 10 minutes at ambient temperature. Slides should be shipped in slide holders. Source of specimen is required.
Handling: Specimen greater than 72 hours old must be frozen at –70° C or on dry ice. Do not freeze specimen at –20° C; virus will lose infectivity.
Stability: Specimen in M4 Media is stable 24 hours ambient, 72 hours refrigerated, or 7 days frozen. Slide specimen stable ambient.
Transport: Swab in M4 Media frozen on dry ice. Slide ambient or refrigerated.
Comments: Specimens should be collected early in the acute phase of infection. The chance of viral recovery is best during the first 3 days after onset and is greatly reduced beyond 5 days with many viruses.

Aids in the diagnosis of disease caused by varicella-zoster virus.

Rejection Criteria: Wooden swab; dry swab; calcium alginate.

PeaceHealth Laboratories