Test Details

Mnemonic

VVPCR

Ordering Code

3091900

CPT-4 Code(s)

87798

Specimen Information

Collect

Variable specimen types

Specimen Preparation

Specimen source is required.
Swab specimens (vesicle, ocular) in viral transport medium.
Swabs in culturettes must be transferred to viral transport within 24 hours of collection.
Biopsy/tissue specimens in saline or viral transport medium (snap frozen -20°C).
Bronchoalveolar lavage/wash in an IATA-approved sterile screw capped plastic container 1.0 mL (0.5 mL minimum).
Sputum undiluted in an IATA-approved sterile screw capped plastic container. 1.0 mL (0.5 mL minimum).
CSF and body fluids undiluted in an IATA-approved sterile screw capped plastic container. 1.0 mL (0.5 mL minimum).
Bone marrow in EDTA. 1.0 mL (0.5 mL minimum).
Plasma, EDTA (lavender top) 1.0 mL (0.5 mL minimum)

Alternate Specimen

The Laboratory Director or Supervisor must approve testing of specimens other than those listed.

Minimum Volume

0.5 mL

Transport Temperature

Refrigerated

Rejection Criteria

Specimens in Amplicor, EIA, Gen-Probe, or ProbeTec transport media.
Specimens in bacteriological blood culture media.
Dry swabs, calcium alginate swabs, and swabs in gel transports.
Culturettes older than 24 hours.
Specimens received in non-sterile or leaking containers.
Serum

Stability

Room temperature: 3 days
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen (-20°C): 14 days
Frozen (-70°C): 3 months

Methodology

Polymerase chain reaction amplification and real-time DNA detection. This assay detects the presence of a conserved region of VZV open reading frame 62. The analytical sensitivity of this assay is 50 copies/mL.
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Reference Range

Negative
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Performing Laboratory

Warde Medical Laboratory
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New York DOH Approval Status

No
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