Test Details
Result Turnaround Time
2 - 4 days
Turnaround time is defined as the usual number of days from the date of pickup of a specimen for testing to when the result is released to the ordering provider. In some cases, additional time should be allowed for additional confirmatory or additional reflex tests. Testing schedules may vary.
Use
This assay is used for the detection of Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV) DNA in cerebrospinal fluid.
Limitations
Results from this test must be considered in conjunction with the clinical history, epidemiological data and other laboratory information available to the clinician evaluating the patient.
Negative results do not rule out VZV infections of the CNS and should not be used as the sole basis for treatment or other patient management decisions.
False-negative results may occur if the viruses are present at a level that is below the analytical sensitivity of the assay or if the virus has genomic mutations, insertions, deletions or rearrangements, or if performed very early in the course of illness.
Specimen Requirements
Specimen
Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)
Volume
0.5 mL
Minimum Volume
0.2 mL
Container
Sterile container
Collection Instructions
To avoid delays in turnaround time when requesting multiple tests on frozen sample, please submit separate specimens for each test requested.
Stability Requirements
Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
Room temperature | Not acceptable (stability provided by manufacturer or literature reference) |
Refrigerated | 7 days (stability provided by manufacturer or literature reference) |
Frozen | >7 days (stability provided by manufacturer or literature reference) |
Storage Instructions
Frozen
Causes for Rejection
Improperly labeled or unlabeled specimen; specimen that has grossly leaked in transit; specimen submitted in an improper collection/transport device; non-CSF specimens
LOINC® Map
| Order Code | Order Code Name | Order Loinc | Result Code | Result Code Name | UofM | Result LOINC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 139835 | VZV PCR, CSF | 21598-8 | 139836 | VZV PCR, CSF | 21598-8 | |
| Order Code | 139835 | |||||
| Order Code Name | VZV PCR, CSF | |||||
| Order Loinc | 21598-8 | |||||
| Result Code | 139836 | |||||
| Result Code Name | VZV PCR, CSF | |||||
| UofM | ||||||
| Result LOINC | 21598-8 |