Turnaround times
The quoted turnaround time is from sample receipt in the laboratory, to results authorisation in the Laboratory Information Management system. The times do not include transport of specimen to the laboratory or the administrative process to print and post/email reports. Service users must allow for transport and reporting time when ordering tests.
Clinical background:
This is a PCR assay used to detect varicella zoster virus (VZV) DNA. This test is used on lesion swabs for the diagnosis of chickenpox and shingles in cases where there is clinical uncertainty or where confirmation is important (e.g. the severely immunocompromised) and as part of the standard viral screen in CSF samples from suspected VZV encephalitis and meningitis. The assay is seldom useful in blood samples, except in highly immunocompromised patients who can present without rash.
Specimen container paediatric:
CSF in sterile plain universal, vesicle fluid in sterile plain universal, lesion swabs in viral transport media, EDTA blood following discussion with Virologists.
Specimen container adult:
CSF in sterile plain universal, vesicle fluid in sterile plain universal, lesion swabs in viral transport media, EDTA blood following discussion with Virologists.
Minimum volume paediatric:
- 0.5ml CSF or fluid
- 1 Swab from site
- 1ml EDTA blood
Minimum volume adult:
- 0.5ml CSF or fluid
- 1 Swab from site
- 5ml EDTA blood
Special requirements:
Send to laboratory as quickly as possible. If delays likely, refrigerate at 2-8 deg C.
Sample stability:
Stable for up to 24 hrs.
Transport requirements:
Standard
Add on test:
Possible up to 6 days
Quality assurance:
UK National External Quality Assurance Scheme (UKNEQAS),
External Quality Assurance Scheme: INSTAND
Interpretation:
Interpretative comments are added to reports where applicable
Reference ranges:
None available
Factors affecting result:
If delays likely, refrigerate at 2 to 8 deg C
Referenced Documents:
Standards of Microbiology Investigations (SMI V 43)
Other Info:
N/A