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Varicella Zoster Virus, technical only

Test ID: I VZV TC* CPT Code: 88342-TC
Expected Turnaround Time
7 days
Stated turn-around-times (TATs) are for clinical use only and subject to change based on biopharma protocol requirements. Final TATs will be specified in the biopharma study contract.
Clinical Information
Varicella zoster virus (VZV) is a herpesvirus that causes chickenpox (varicella) in primary infections and shingles (zoster) in reactivated infections. In pathology, the VZV glycoprotein or immediate-early proteins, are detected to confirm active infection or reactivation, especially in skin lesions, ganglia, and tissues affected by shingles or encephalitis. VZV protein detection is crucial for diagnosing VZV-related diseases. Technical component only. Pathologist read not included.
Requisition Forms
Immunohistochemistry Requisition

Specimen Requirements

Specimen Requirements
  • Fresh Tissues: Fixative should be at a 20:1 fixative to tissue ratio, 10% neutral buffered formalin (NBF) for 6-72 hours (48-72 hours PREFERRED)
  • Formalin-fixed Paraffin Embedded Tissue (FFPE blocks): FFPE Block, Formalin Fixed
  • Unstained slides: 2 slides (3-5 μM) per stain (min 1 slide per stain), Formalin Fixed
Specimen Stability
  • Fresh Tissue Tissues: ≤ 72 Hours
  • Formalin-fixed Paraffin Embedded Tissue (FFPE blocks): Indefinite
  • Unstained slides: Indefinite
Storage Requirements

15°C to 25°C

Shipping Conditions
Ambient
Shipping Recommendations
  • Fresh Tissues: AMBIENT
  • Formalin-fixed Paraffin Embedded Tissue (FFPE blocks) and unstained slides: AMBIENT, Use a refrigerated (NOT FROZEN) gel pack in the shipment to protect from extreme temperatures. Separate gel pack from specimen.
  • Specimens may be transferred to 70% alcohol for transportation purposes after fixation in 10% NBF or B plus.
Specimen Rejection Criteria

Specimens must be fixed in 10% NBF or B plus. All other fixatives will be rejected. 

Test Details

Synonyms

Human herpesvirus 3, HHV-3, HHV3, Human alpha-herpesvirus 3, Chickenpox, Shingles

Test Method
Immunohistochemistry
Methodology Category
IHC
Special Considerations
  • Fresh Tissues: Specimens may be fixed in formalin for 24-72 hours by collection sites, then transferred to 70% ethanol and stored at 2-8°C for longer term storage if needed. Samples must be tested 3 months after placing in ethanol.
  • Unstained slides: Positively charged glass slides required to prevent background staining and prevent tissue loss. Slides should be left unbaked.