For PLBOP/PLWHK (Community & Hospital) & PLR/PLT Hospital: Register HSVT (will include HSV and VZV PCR)
Requests must specify virus (VZV, Shingles, or Herpes Zoster).
If no virus is specified (request only states PCR or Viral PCR) then register COMS &VIRS
If multiple swabs received, barcode each swab with different lab numbers.
DO NOT USE NASOPHARYGNEAL SWAB
Lesions may need to be de-roofed in order to collect the lesion fluid and the base of the lesion swabbed vigorously with a thick shaft to apply pressure which ensures adequate cellular material is obtained.
For PLR/PLT Community & PLW: Register the requested virus ONLY
Chicken pox, Shingles, Zoster or Varicella, register VZVP
Herpes Simplex, register HSVT
For requests with clinical details including "Vesicular Rash, ? Cause", register both VZVP and HSVT
If this is an e-order, and the required test is different from what was requested in any way, do manual registration
If multiple swabs received, barcode each swab with different lab numbers
Only Hospital request process in PLBOP Molecular Pathology. Community request referral to Waikato Hospital Laboratory.
- Taupo
Only Hospital request process in PLBOP Molecular Pathology. Community request referral to Waikato Hospital Laboratory.
External Referral Information
Referral Location
Waikato Hospital Laboratory (For PLW; PLR/PLT Community requests)
Send Away Notes
Viral swabs to be collected into viral transport medium or UTM (Universal transport medium) . EDTA blood can be used in cases of suspected disseminated VZV disease. Please contact the clinical microbiologist to discuss. If Blood is to be sent, register as MISS