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)
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
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
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.
Reference Range
Negative
Performing Laboratory
Warde Medical Laboratory
New York DOH Approval Status
No