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Lab Test Dictionary

Varicella Zoster Antigen, DFA (3650)

Methodology

Direct Fluorescent Antibody Stain (DFA)


Synonyms

VZV

Specimen Type

See Collection Instructions

Performing Lab

Quest Diagnostics San Juan Capistrano


Epic ID

LAB07540

Lab Test Days

Monday-Saturday

Standard TAT

1-2 Days


Collection Information

Specimen Required

Vesicular lesion swab in 3 mL VCM medium (green-cap)/equivalent tube or or air dried smear

Container Type

See Below

Collection Instructions

1-3 mL vesicular lesion swab or fluid in steril screw-cap container; Eye swab in VCM medium (green-cap) tube or equivalent also acceptable. To maintain optimal viability, place swab into VCM or equivalent and transport the specimen to the lab as soon as possible. Best recovery is obtained when the specimens are refrigerated at 2-8 C or kept on wet ice following collection and while in transit. If there will be a long delay before processing, specimens in VCM or equivalent should be frozen at -70 C or colder and transported on dry ice. Storage or transport at -20 C is not acceptable. Raw (unpreserved) samples should only be refrigerated and not frozen.


Processing Information - Lab Use Only

Transport Temperature

Refrigerate-OK/Frozen-OK

Specimen Stability

Room Temp: Unacceptable (7 Days for slides); Refrigerated: 72 Hours (7 Days for slides); Frozen: (-70) 30 Days and (-20) Unacceptable (Unacceptable for raw unpreserved samples and slides)

Rejection Criteria

Frozen or broken slides; Dried swabs; Specimens past stability or unacceptable temp; Nucleic acid transport; Gel swabs

Test Volume Required

3 mL Body Fluid

Minimum Test Volume

1 mL Body Fluid

Processing Instructions

Indicate source in comments, on specimen, and on batch sheet.


CPT Codes

87290


Revised

09-27-22