Varicella Zoster Virus DFA w/Reflex to Varicella Zoster Virus Culture

Specimen:

Collect

  • Vesicle Fluid in Viral Transport Media

Also Acceptable:
  • Skin Scrapings in Viral Transport Media
  • Tissue in Viral Transport Media

Submit

  • Vesicle Fluid in Viral Transport Media. Submit Refrigerated.

Also Acceptable:
  • Tissue in Viral Transport Media. Submit Refrigerated.
  • Skin Scrapings in Viral Transport Media. Submit Refrigerated.

Special Handling

  • State Source
  • Time Sensitive
  • Vesicle fluid should be collected within the first three days of appearance of rash.
    If DFA is negative or inadequate, then a VZV culture will be added. Additional charges apply.

Rejection Criteria

  • Dry swabs, calcium alginate swabs, and wood swabs.

Stability

Ambient: Unacceptable; Refrigerated: 2 Day(s); Frozen: Unacceptable; Incubated: Unacceptable

Methodology

  • Direct Fluorescent Antibody Stain

Performed

Sun-Sat

Reported

4-5 Day(s)
DFA: within 24 hours; Culture: 3-5 days

CPT Codes

  • 87290

Interpretive Data

Please see report for interpretive data.

Components

  • 93868 - VZV SOURCE
  • 93869 - VZV, DFA
Last Updated: February 6, 2025 @ 10:13 am

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Common Lab Definitions

  • Serum 
  • Plasma 
  • STT