Specimen:

Vesicular Lesion

Collection Medium:

Minimum:

Collection culturette available from Hospital Stores (#923740).

Testing
Schedule:

0700-1630, 7 days a week, including holidays.

Analytic Time:

24 hours (upon receipt in laboratory)

Comments:

Requires cellular material.  Direct fluorescent antibody test for 
varicella-zoster virus antigen.  Test is run daily.  Culture will be 
ordered to confirm negative results.

Methodology:

Direct Fluorescent Antibody (DFA)

Sample
Processing:

Indicate specimen/fluid type on requisition.
Maintain sterility and forward promptly to lab.
Specimen should be collected and packaged as close to shipping time as 
possible.
Specimen source is required on requisition for processing.

Sample
Storage:

Refrigerate.

Transport
Instructions:

Coolant packs up to 8 hours.
Place coolant packs into styrofoam container.
Place requisition into outside pocket of bag.
Recommend express mail or equivalent if not on courier service.

Instructions:

Slide will be made by laboratory personnel from submitted lesion 
specimens.

CPT Code:

87290

See also:
Viral Culture