Varicella-zoster virus

Methodology

RT-PCR

CPT Code

87798

Acceptable Specimens

Vesicle swab. Synthetic swabs only. Do not use cotton or wooden shafts. Place swab in a vial of 2-3 mls of viral transport media.

or

Vesicle "roof" or crust (scab) placed in a clean container.

Specimen Storage

Store specimens at 4ºC.

Specimen Transport

Transport specimen to the laboratory on cold packs as soon as possible.

Setup Days

Testing is performed on an as-needed basis.

Turn-around-time

Results will be available 1-2 days after receiving the specimen.

Lab Slip

Monster Form (PDF: 108 Kb)

Fees