PrintView

Reference Notes and Guidelines

Reference note:

1. This test qualitatively detects the varicella zoster virus (VZV) DNA in clinical samples and may be useful for diagnosing primary infections like chickenpox (varicella) and reactivation (herpes zoster) in cutaneous lesions (swabs from vesicle fluid, scabs, or cells or fluid from maculopapular lesions)².

2. Various other samples may be used for subcutaneous infections including blood, CSF, or in suspected VZV pneumonia, BAL or bronchial washings, and vitreous eye fluid for H. zoster infection.

3. A OPositiveO result indicates VZV DNA was detected.

4. A ONegativeO result indicates VZV DNA was not detected. False-negative results may be due to improper specimen collection, concurrent antiviral therapy, or low numbers of virus in the specimen (i.e., below the testOs sensitivity). Suggest repeat testing if clinically indicated.

5. An OInhibitor presentO result may be due to interfering substances such as inhibitors. Suggest repeat testing if clinically indicated.

6. The limit of detection of this test is 500 copies/mL. Studies have shown that the specificity is 99%.

Source:

1 Tianlong Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV) Nucleic Acid Detection Kit Insert.

2 CDC. Laboratory testing for VZV collection techniques

https://www.cdc.gov/chickenpox/php/laboratories/collecting-vzv-specimens.html. Accessed 7 Jan 2025.