VZV (VARICELLA-ZOSTER VIRUS) DNA DETECTION BY PCR (SWABBED SOURCES)
PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) is utilized pursuant to a license agreement with Roche Molecular Systems, Inc.
	Test Performed At:
		St. Louis Children’s Hospital
	Swabbed Sources:			Ocular, Oral, Dermal Lesions/Vesicles
	Specimen Required: ONLY 1 OF THE FOLLOWING SPECIMENS REQUIRED
		Collect specimen as follows: 1. Obtain a vial of universal transport medium supplied by St. Louis Children’s Hospital. 2. Place the swab in vial; break or cut shaft of swab so that the entire swab fits in vial; discard the shaft. 3. Tightly cap the tube; label transport container with the patient’s full name (first and last), date and time of collection, and place in a sealed transport bag. 4. Send specimen refrigerated. SPECIMEN CANNOT BE FROZEN. 5. To maximize recovery of viruses, specimens should be transported to the laboratory without delay.
	Laboratory Notes:
		None
	Reference Values:
		Negative (reported as positive or negative for the presence of VZV DNA)
		NOTE:	Assay performed using analyte-specific reagent. See policies section, “Analyte-Specific Reagents (ASR) — St. Louis Children’s Hospital Clinical Laboratory.”
	Critical values (automatic callback): Any positive PCR result on patients <18 years old.
	Every critical test result will be called automatically.
	Day(s) Test Set Up:
		Monday - Saturday
	Cut-Off Time:
		10:00 p.m. the evening prior to testing day
	Turn Around Time:
		1-2 days
	CPT Code:
		87798
	KIDDOS Order Name:
		PCR VZV Swab/Vesicle/Lesion ( Varicella Zoster Virus)
	Cerner Order Name:
		PCR-LC VZV

Last Update 09/09

Last Reviewed 09/09