Varicella Zoster PCR (Swab)

Test Information

Test Name

Varicella Zoster PCR (Swab)

Synonyms

Herpes Zoster; Chicken pox; Shingles

Department

Molecular Microbiology

Price

$185.00

Price Disclaimer

Many services are free for eligible patients. A minimum charge may apply. Prices listed are for unfunded, individual, requests. Please contact us for commercial testing.

Preferred Specimen

Viral Swab or UTM swab

Testing Location

PLBOP; Referral

Turn Around Time

1 week

Collection Information

Availability

Not available for immunity testing

Preparation

  • Take viral swab from lesion of blister fluid

Processing Information

Registration Code

HSVT (PLBOP/PLWHK/PLT/PLR) or VZVP (PLW) - see notes

Notes

For PLBOP/PLWHK/PLT/PLR: Register HSVT (which includes HSV and VZV PCR)

For PLW: Register the requested virus ONLY if requestor has specified the virus required to be tested

If no virus specified, check clinical details:

  • For requests with clinical details including" Chicken Pox, Shingles, Zoster or Varicella" , register VZVP
  • For requests with clinical details including "Herpes Simplex", register HSVT
  • For requests with clinical details including "Vesicular Rash, ? Cause", register both VZVP & HSVT
  • If this is an e-order, and the required test is different from what was requested in any way, then send to manual registration
  • If multiple swab received; barcode each swab with different lab numbers
  • Herpes Simpex, refer to Herpes Simplex PCR

Site Specific Notes

- Waikato

Referral to Waikato Hospital Laboratory

- Tauranga

Process inhouse Molecular Microbiology

- Whakatane

Process in PLBOP Molecular Microbiology

- Rotorua

Hospital request process in PLBOP Molecular Microbiology. Community request referral to Waikato Hospital Laboratory.

- Taupo

Hospital request process in PLBOP Molecular Microbiology. 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

External Lab Website

https://lab.waikatodhb.health.nz/test-guide/view/893/varicella-zoster-pcr