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Varicella-zoster virus (VZV, chickenpox) qPCR

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$110 | CPT Code: 87798 | Molecular lab

 

Methodology

Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR)

Acceptable specimen(s)

Lesion and vesicle swab
Lesion and vesicle swab transported in 0.5-1 mL of viral transport media (VTM). Refrigerate swabs within one hour of collection. Only use synthetic swabs with a plastic shaft.

Skin/scabs
Vesicle skin/scab transported in a break-resistant, snap-cap or screw-top tube. Skin/scab specimens should be at least 2 mm. Skin/scab specimens should be kept dry and stored at room temperature (15-25° C). 

Specimen labeling

A minimum of two of the following are required on the specimen label:

  • Patient first and last name
  • Date of birth (DOB)
  • Medical record number (MRN) or patient identification (ID)

The following information is optional, but highly preferred:

  • Collection date
  • The chain of custody number, if ordered through LabOnline

The lab will not process samples without appropriate identifiers on the label. Be sure the information on the label matches what is listed on the test order.

Specimen stability

Swabs
2-8° C: 72 hours
≤ -20° C: six (6) weeks

Skin/scab
Dry at room temperature (15-25° C): three (3) weeks

Transport swab and scab specimens to the State Lab as soon as they are collected.

Turnaround time

Three (3) business days

Results will be available in LabOnline.

Rejection criteria

Incomplete or missing test order, incomplete specimen labeling, specimen collected in expired collection kits, specimen collected in inappropriate container, quantity not sufficient for analysis, gross contamination, leaking or broken sample container, received out of hold time, received out of temperature.

Ordering in LabOnline

  • Profile: Outbreak Clinical PCR Testing, Molecular
  • Testing type: Varicella-zoster virus PCR
  • Matrix: Vesicle swab, lesion swab, vesicle skin

Supplemental information

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) requires reporting of all suspected or confirmed cases of VZV by physicians, health care providers, and laboratories within four (4) calendar days. Call 303-692-2700 or 303-370-9395 (after hours) to report suspect or confirmed VZV cases.

CDC - Video tutorial on collecting Varicella skin lesion specimens

Contact information