RCH logo

Specimen Collection

VZV (Varicella - Zoster Virus) Nucleic Acid Detection (PCR)


Test Name
VZV (Varicella - Zoster Virus) Nucleic Acid Detection (PCR)
Test Code
VZPC
Specimen Type

DEDICATED molecular specimens are required for blood and swab requests.

EDTA blood, Plasma/serum, Amniotic fluid, CSF, Dry swab, Tissue biopsy

Minimum Volume
0.5 mL bloods / 0.2 mL CSF
Preferred Volume
1.0 mL bloods / 0.5 mL CSF
Comments

Roll swab over lesion then resheath into original plastic container

Recommended transport/storage conditions

  • Amniotic fluid: 2-8oC for 3 days
  • CSF: 2-8oC for 3 days
  • EDTA Blood: 2-8oC for 3 days
  • Plasma/Serum: 2-8oC for 3 days
  • Dry swab: <30oC (Room temp) for 3 days
  • Tissue biopsy: 2-8oC for 3 days
Assay Performed

Molecular Microbiology
RCH - 9345 4673
Laboratory Hours: Monday – Friday 08:30 – 17:30 (excluding public holidays)

No afterhours service; if urgent testing is required, the requesting clinician is to contact on-call Clinical Microbiologist for advice via switchboard
Assay Frequency

Daily (Monday - Friday)

For same day results, specimens need to be received in the laboratory before 11:00am (RCH) and 8:30am (RWH)