Home
HelpTest ID: LVZV Varicella-Zoster Virus, Molecular Detection, PCR, Varies
Reporting Name
Varicella-Zoster Virus PCRUseful For
Rapid (qualitative) detection of varicella-zoster virus DNA in clinical specimens for laboratory diagnosis of disease due to this virus
Clinical Information
Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) causes both varicella (chickenpox) and herpes zoster (shingles). VZV produces a generalized vesicular rash on the dermis (chickenpox) in normal children, usually before 10 years of age. After primary infection with VZV, the virus persists in latent form and may emerge clinically (usually in adults 50 years of age and older) to cause a unilateral vesicular eruption, generally in a dermatomal distribution (shingles).
Interpretation
Detection of varicella-zoster virus (VZV) DNA in clinical specimens supports the clinical diagnosis of infection due to this virus.
VZV DNA is not detected in cerebrospinal fluid from patients without central nervous system disease caused by this virus.
This LightCycler PCR assay does not yield positive results with other herpesvirus gene targets (herpes simplex virus, cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus).
Analytic Time
Same day/1 dayDay(s) and Time(s) Performed
Monday through Saturday; Varies
Clinical Reference
1. Cinque P, Bossolasco S, Vago L, et al: Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) DNA in cerebrospinal fluid of patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus: VZV disease of the central nervous system or subclinical reactivation of VZV infection? Clin Infect Dis 1997;25(3):634-639
2. Brown M, Scarborough M, Brink N, et al: Varicella zoster virus-associated neurological disease in HIV-infected patients. Int J STD AIDS 2001;12(2):79-83
3. Studahl M, Hagberg L, Rekabdar E, Bergstrom T: Herpesvirus DNA detection in cerebrospinal fluid: differences in clinical presentation between alpha-, beta-, and gamma-herpesviruses. Scand J Infect Dis 2000;32(3):237-248
4. Iten A, Chatelard P, Vuadens P, et al: Impact of cerebrospinal fluid PCR on the management of HIV-infected patients with varicella-zoster virus infection of the central nervous system. J Neurovirol 1999;5(2):172-180
5. Sauerbrei A: Varicella-zoster virus infections - antiviral therapy and diagnosis. GMS Infect Dis 2016 Feb 17;4:Doc01 doi: 10.3205/id000019
6. Sauerbrei A: Diagnosis, antiviral therapy, and prophylaxis of varicella-zoster virus infections. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2016 May;35(5):723-734 doi: 10.1007/s10096-016-2605-0
Method Name
Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)/DNA Probe Hybridization
Specimen Type
VariesNecessary Information
Specimen source is required.
Specimen Required
Submit only 1 of the following specimens:
Supplies: Aliquot Tube, 5 mL (T465)
Specimen Type: Fluid
Sources: Spinal, pleural, peritoneal, ascites, pericardial, amniotic, or ocular
Container/Tube: Sterile container
Specimen Volume: 0.5 mL
Collection Instructions: Do not centrifuge.
Supplies:
Culturette (BBL Culture Swab) (T092)
M4-RT (T605)
Specimen Type: Swab
Sources: Miscellaneous; dermal, eye, nasal, or throat
Container/Tube: Multimicrobe media (M4-RT) (T605) and ESwabs
Collection Instructions: Place swab back into multimicrobe media (M4-RT [T605], M4, or M5).
Supplies:
Culturette (BBL Culture Swab) (T092)
M4-RT (T605)
Specimen Type: Swab
Sources: Genital; cervix, vagina, urethra, anal/rectal, or other genital sources
Container/Tube: Multimicrobe media (M4-RT) (T605) and ESwabs
Collection Instructions: Place swab back into multimicrobe media (M4-RT [T605], M4, or M5).
Specimen Type: Fluid
Sources: Respiratory; bronchial washing, bronchoalveolar lavage, nasopharyngeal aspirate or washing, sputum, or tracheal aspirate
Container/Tube: Sterile container
Specimen Volume: 1.5 mL
Supplies: M4-RT (T605)
Specimen Type: Tissue
Sources: Brain, colon, kidney, liver, lung, etc.
Container/Tube:
Preferred: Multimicrobe media (M4-RT) (T605)
Acceptable: Sterile container with 1 to 2 mL of sterile saline
Specimen Volume: Entire collection
Collection Instructions: Submit only fresh tissue in a sterile container containing 1 mL to 2 mL of sterile saline or multimicrobe medium (M4-RT [T605], M4, or M5)
Specimen Minimum Volume
Body Fluid, Ocular Fluid, or Spinal Fluid: 0.3 mL
Respiratory Specimens: 1 mL
Tissue: 2 × 2-mm biopsy
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
|---|---|---|---|
| Varies | Refrigerated (preferred) | 7 days | |
| Frozen | 7 days |
Reference Values
Negative
Test Classification
This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. This test has not been cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.CPT Code Information
87798
LOINC Code Information
| Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| LVZV | Varicella-Zoster Virus PCR | 94584-0 |
| Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| SRC70 | Specimen Source | 39111-0 |
| 36046 | Varicella-Zoster Virus PCR | 94584-0 |
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Microbiology Test Request (T244) with the specimen.
mml-CNS-Infections, mml-Pediatric, mml-Spinal-Cord