Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV) Quantitative Real-time PCR
Some specimen types for this assay are reported as qualitative results; please see our Specimen Information section below for more information.
VZV reactivation is commonly seen in immunocompromised individuals. These patients are more likely to have disseminated disease with extensive skin lesions, pneumonia, hepatitis, or encephalitis. Proper management is dependent upon early diagnosis; quantitative DNA PCR is a rapid and sensitive tool useful for detecting the virus, tracking the course of the infection, and monitoring response to treatment.
ProcedureExtraction of varicella-zoster viral DNA from specimen followed by amplification and detection using real-time, quantitative PCR. An internal control is added to ensure the extraction was performed correctly and the PCR reaction was not inhibited. This test has not been cleared or approved for diagnostic use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
SpecificityThe primers and probes used in this assay are specific for VZV based on similarity search algorithms. Additionally, no cross reactivity was detected when tested against adenoviruses, BKV, CMV, EBV, HSV-1, HSV-2, HHV-6 variant A, HHV-6 variant B, HHV-7, HHV-8, JCV, parvovirus B19, and SV-40.
Same day (within 8 - 12 hours from receipt of specimen), Monday through Saturday, with the exception of Tissue specimens. Tissue specimens are expected to report within 18-24 hours from receipt of specimen, Monday-Saturday.
Specimen Type | Test Code | CPT Code | NY Approved | Volume | Assay Range | Special Instructions |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
plasma | 9501 | 87799 | Yes | 2 mL (min. 0.5 mL) |
278 copies/mL to 1x108 copies/mL |
|
CSF | 9503 | 87799 | Yes | 2 mL (min. 0.5 mL) |
251 copies/mL to 1x108 copies/mL |
|
Fresh Frozen Tissue [Quant] | 9505 | 87799 | Yes | 5 mg fresh tissue (approximately ½ of a pencil eraser size) | 23 copies/mg to 1x107 copies/mg |
|
Fresh Frozen Tissue [Qual] | 9506 | 87798 | Yes | 5 mg fresh tissue (approximately ½ of a pencil eraser size) | Detected/Not Detected |
|
BAL | 9509 | 87799 | Yes | 2 mL (min. 0.5 mL) |
221 copies/mL to 1x108 copies/mL |
|
serum | 9510 | 87799 | Yes | 2 mL (min. 0.5 mL) |
278 copies/mL to 1x108 copies/mL |
|
vitreous fluid | 9514 | 87799 | Yes | 0.25 mL (min. 0.05 mL) |
3,160 copies/mL to 1x108 copies/mL |
|
trach asp | 9519 | 87799 | Yes | 2 mL (min. 0.5 mL) |
221 copies/mL to 1x108 copies/mL |
|
bronch wash | 9526 | 87799 | Yes | 2 mL (min. 0.5 mL) |
221 copies/mL to 1x108 copies/mL |
|
eye swab | 9527 | 87798 | Yes | 2 mL |
Detected/Not Detected |
|
skin swab | 9529 | 87798 | Yes | 2 mL |
Detected/Not Detected |
|
aqueous fluid | 9545 | 87799 | Yes | 0.25 mL (min. 0.05 mL) |
3,160 copies/mL to 1x108 copies/mL |
|
trach wash | 9548 | 87799 | Yes | 2 mL (min. 0.5 mL) |
221 copies/mL to 1x108 copies/mL |
|
Ship Monday through Friday. Friday shipments must be labeled for Saturday delivery. All specimens must be labeled with patient's name and collection date. A Eurofins Viracor test requisition form must accompany each specimen. Multiple tests can be run on one specimen. Ship specimens FedEx Priority Overnight® to: Eurofins Viracor, 18000 W 99th St. Ste, #10, Lenexa, KS 66219
Causes for RejectionWhole blood frozen, specimens received in trap containers, grossly hemolyzed plasma/serum specimens, specimens beyond their acceptable length of time from collection as listed in the specimen handling, or specimen types other than those listed.
Specimens are approved for testing in New York only when indicated in the Specimen Information field above.
The CPT codes provided are based on Eurofins Viracor's interpretation of the American Medical Association's Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes and are provided for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Questions regarding coding should be addressed to your local Medicare carrier. Eurofins Viracor assumes no responsibility for billing errors due to reliance on the CPT codes illustrated in this material.