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Test Code
MVZV
Test Name
Varicella Zoster (VZV) PCR
CPT Codes
87798
Expected Turnaround Time
1 - 2 day
Clinical Utility
Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV) is highly contagious virus that can usually be diagnosed based on clinical presentation.

VZV causes two distinct clinical diseases, chickenpox occurs during primary varicella disease and shingles or herpes zoster occurs as a secondary infection when the virus is reactivated. Laboratory testing is used to help distinguish VZV from HSV infection in dermal presentation or when encephalitis is suspected. HSV and VZV are the leading causes of adult encephalitis.
Specimen and Container Info

Specimen

Collection Container

Volume

Cerebral Spinal Fluid

Sterile, Non-additive Container (CSF)

0.5 mL

Cutaneous or Mucocutaneous Lesion

Universal Transport Media (UTM) or Viral Transport Media (VTM)

3 mL
Transport Instructions

Transport to the laboratory at room temperature.
Stability Requirements

Room Temperature

 12 hours

Refrigerated

7 days
Methodology
Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
Reference Intervals

 Not Detected
Limitations
  1. Specimens should be collected within 3-4 days of the onset of symptoms.
  2. Specimens collected from lesions in the acute or vesicular stage yield a higher number of viable viruses.
Performing Location
Roble Road Core Laboratory
Alternate Names
  • Chickenpox
  • Shingles
  • Zoster
  • Varicella
Testing Schedule
Routine, daily
The American Medical Association (AMA) Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes published by HNL Lab Medicine are guidelines and are intended for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the exclusive responsibility of the billing entity. View the Terms.
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