Varicella Zoster Qualitative by PCR, Tissue or Cells

The detection of Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV) by real-time PCR amplification. The primers used in this PCR reaction amplify a fragment of the ORF62 region. Detection of VZV DNA (copies/mL) is achieved by amplifying a standard curve in each run, consisting of serial dilutions of a known amount of DNA containing the VZV amplicons. The minimum virus level that gives a positive result in 95% of replicates is 75 copies/mL (1.88 log copies/mL). Results are reported in copies per milliliter (copies/mL).

This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by the University of Washington Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology. It has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.

For Blood or Clear non-cellular fluid (e.g. BAL or Washing) see Varicella Zoster Quantitative by PCR [VZVQN].

For Eye Sample see VZV Quant PCR for Eye Fluids [VZVEYE] or Eye Fluid Viral PCR Quant Panel [EYEVQP].

For CSF and Swab see Varicella Zoster Rapid PCR, Swab or CSF [VZVRPD].

Tissue Biopsy: Pea size amount in sterile tube or universal transport media (UTM).

Paraffin Tissue: DO NOT SEND ENTIRE BLOCK and DO NOT SEND SLIDES. Slice 3-4 slices that are 5-50 micron thick in sterile tube.

Bone Marrow: 5 mL blood in EDTA (LAVENDER TOP) tube. No Heparin aspirate in syringe.

Cellular fluid: 1 mL in sterile tube.

Unacceptable samples: Buffy coat collected with heparin syringe. Paraffin slides.

Bone Marrow: 5 mL bone marrow in EDTA (LAVENDER TOP) tube to Laboratory at room temperature within 24 hour of collection.

Note: Separate specimens MUST be submitted when both Viral Culture/Serology and PCR testing are ordered.

Tissue Biopsy: Freeze at -10°C or colder and ship on dry ice. If freezer and/or dry ice is not available, ship immediately at 2-8°C (ice pack). Sample may be stored at 2-8°C (ice pack) for up to 48 hours of collection. Samples stored at 2-8°C greater than 48 hours old may be rejected. Do not freeze/thaw.

Paraffin Tissue: Ship at room temperature.

Bone Marrow: Ship at room temperature within 24 hours of collection.

Cellular fluid: Freeze at -10°C or colder and ship on dry ice. If freezer and/or dry ice is not available, ship immediately at 2-8°C (ice pack). Sample may be stored at 2-8°C (ice pack) for up to 48 hours of collection. Samples stored at 2-8°C greater than 48 hours old may be rejected. Do not freeze/thaw.

Outside Laboratory:

Buffy coat: Separate buffy coat from bone marrow within 24 hours of collection, Freeze at -10°C or colder.

Tissue/Cellular fluid: Ship samples on dry ice. If freezer and/or dry ice is not available, ship immediately at 2-8°C (ice pack). Shipment time must not exceed 48 hours from collection. Sample may be stored at 2-8°C (ice pack) for up to 48 hours of collection. Samples stored at 2-8°C greater than 48 hours old may be rejected. Do not freeze/thaw.