Varicella Zoster Quantitative by PCR

The detection and quantitation of Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV) by real-time PCR amplification. The primers used in this PCR reaction amplify a fragment of the ORF62 region. Quantitation 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 Tissue Biopsy, Bone Marrow or Cellular fluid (e.g. BAL or Washing) see Varicella Zoster Qualitative by PCR, Tissue or Cells [VZVQLT].

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].

Blood: 3 mL blood in EDTA (LAVENDER TOP) tube.

Clear non-cellular fluid (e.g. BAL or Washing): 1 mL in sterile container.

Also Acceptable: 3 mL blood in GOLD SST, RED, or PPT (PEARL TOP) tube.

Unacceptable samples: Plasma collected in sodium or lithium heparin.

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

Minimum sample requirement: 0.5 mL

Blood: Separate plasma/serum from whole blood within 24 hours of collection. 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.

Clear non-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: 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.