Methodology
Centrifugation-Enhanced Culture with Immunofluorescence
Synonyms
Herpes Zoster; Chicken Pox; VZV
Specimen Type
See Collection Instructions
Performing Lab
Quest Diagnostics San Juan Capistrano
Epic ID
LAB01540
Lab Test Days
Monday-Saturday
Standard TAT
4-6 Days
Collection Information
Specimen Required
1-3 mL Vesicular lesions swab, Throat swab or Tissue biopsy in VCM medium (green-cap) tube or equivalent
Container Type
See Below
Collection Instructions
Eye swab or CSF in VCM medium (green-cap) tube or equivalent; Tracheal aspirate, Bronchial lavage/wash, Sputum, Tissue biopsy, Fresh (unfixed) tissue or CSF in a sterile screw-capped container is acceptable. To maintain optimum viability, place swab or fluid into VCM (equal volumes of fluid and VCM) or equivalent and transport the specimen to the laboratory 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: Unaccaptable; Refrigerated: 72 Hours; Frozen: 30 Days (Unacceptable for Raw (unpreserved) samples)
Rejection Criteria
Wooden shaft and calcium alginate swabs; Raw (unpreserved) stool specimens; Dry Swabs; Transwabs or gel-based transport medium; DNA prob transports; Tissues in formalin or othe fixatives; AVANTIK viral media
Test Volume Required
3 mL
Minimum Test Volume
1 mL
Processing Instructions
Indicate source in comments, on specimen and batch sheet.
CPT Codes
87254
Revised
09-27-22