Test directory: Varicella-Zoster Virus, Rapid Cult

Ordering Code7980
Test NameVaricella-Zoster Virus, Rapid Cult
AliasVaricella-Zoster Virus, Rapid Method, Culture
Preferred SpecimenSwab - Vesicle, Lesion, Throat, Eye
Preferred ContainerVCM medium (Green cap) or equivalent
Other Specimen/ContainerTracheal aspirate, Bronchial lavage (BAL)/wash, Sputum,
Tissue biopsy, Fresh (unfixed) tissue, CSF in sterile leak- proof container
Optimum Volume3 mL
Collection InstructionsTo maintain optimum viability, place swab or fluid into VCM tube (equal volumes of fluid and media) and transport the specimen refrigerated to the laboratory as soon as possible

Use Dacron or rayon-tipped plastic or metal shaft swabs for specimen collection. Do not use wooden shaft or calcium alginate swabs as they may inhibit recovery of viruses

Do not freeze raw (unpreserved) specimen.
Transport RequirementsOahu: Refrigerated
Airline: Frozen -70
Specimen StabilityVCM tube: Ambient: Not Stable, Refrigerated: 72 Hours,
Ambient: Not Stable, Refrigerated: 72 Hours,
Frozen -20: Not Stable, Frozen -70: 30 Days
Raw (unpreserved) specimens:
Ambient: Not Stable, Refrigerated: 72 Hours,
Frozen: Not Stable
Rejection CriteriaWooden shaft swabs, Calcium alginate swab, Raw stool specimens, Dry swabs, Transwabs or gel-based transport medium, DNA probe transports, Tissues in formalin or other fixatives, Glass slides
Avail. StatNO
Analytic Time7-10 Days
MethodologySpin Amplification Culture with Monoclonal Fluorescent
Antibody Detection
Reference Lab Quest Diagnostics Infectious Disease

Reference range(s)

The reference ranges listed below are valid on this date of May 6, 2024.
ComponentAgeMale NormMale Critical LowMale Critical HighFemale NormFemale Critical HighFemale Critical LowUnitsAdd'l info
Cult, Varicella zosterALLSee report.
Specimen SourceALLSee report.