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Specimen Collection Manual and Test Catalog

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VARICELLA ZOSTER, PCR

Geisinger Epic Procedure Code:  LAB3241    Geisinger Epic ID:  36102

SPECIMEN COLLECTION
Specimen type: 

Swab specimens (in UTM) include (but are not limited to): skin, lip, oral, tongue, throat, nasopharyngeal (NP), genital, eye/conjunctiva, or anal/rectal/perineum


Preferred collection container: 
Alternate collection container: 
Other manufacturer's viral transport medium
Specimen required: 

One swab.


Special notes: 

See Microbiology Collection Appendix for collection instructions. Check expiration date on transport device before use. Use provided flocked swab (with UTM).



SPECIMEN PROCESSING
Transport temperature: 

Refrigerated (2-8°C)


Specimen stability: 

Stable for 7 days at refrigerated temperatures (2-8°C)


Rejection criteria: 

Specimens stored or transported at incorrect temperature. Specimens not in viral transport media. Improperly labeled/identified specimens. Specimen collected with wooden shafted swab. Expired transport media. Quantity of specimen insufficient. Frozen specimens. Specimens which exceed stability limits. Improper specimen type.



TEST DETAILS
Reference interval: 

Negative for varicella zoster virus by PCR (Amplified Probe)


Critical values/courtesy alerts: 
Positive for varicella zoster virus by PCR (Amplified Probe)
Additional information: 

Geisinger standard of care: All dermatological swab specimens submitted in UTM from Geisinger sites will have PCR testing performed for both HSV types 1 and 2 and VZV. Order test code PCRHVZ.


CPT code(s):  87798
Note: The billing party has sole responsibility for CPT coding.  Any questions regarding coding should be directed to the payer being billed.
The CPT codes provided by GML are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only.

Test includes: 

Detects viral DNA of varicella zoster virus from approved specimen types


Methodology: 
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
Synonyms: 

Varicella zoster, herpes zoster, VZV, VZ, PCR, shingles, VZVPCR, chickenpox, zoster, PCRVZV


Clinical significance: 

Varicella zoster virus is the causative agent of chickpox and zoster (shingles). Detection is always clinically significant.


Doctoral Director(s): 
Donna Wolk PhD, D(ABMM)
Julie Hirschhorn, PhD, HCLD(ABB)
Review Date:  12/31/2024

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