Test Code

• 3078

Test Synonym

• Varicella zoster, Rapid Culture, CULTURE, VARICELLA

Specimen Requirements

• Viral

Container

• Viral Transport Medium

Storage

• Refrigerated

Turn Around Time

• 7 days

CPT Codes

• 87254
  *The CPT codes provided are based on AMA guidelines and are provided for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the responsibility of the billing entity. Please direct any questions regarding the CPT coding to the payer being billed.

Special Instructions

• Viral Transport Medium - shipped and stored cool

Additional Information

• Submit vesicle fluid or scrapings in a Viral Transport Medium. Do NOT prepare collection site with alcohol or iodophors. Vesicle fluid from several vesicles can be pooled and added to viral transport medium. Alternatively, the bases of several freshly unroofed lesions can be vigorously sampled with a sterile swab that subsequently should be placed into cold viral transport medium and sent to the laboratory as soon as possible. Keep specimens cold and moist. Do not store or transport at room temp. Sample over 72 hours old maybe rejected by the lab

Specimen Stability

• stable 72 hours stored cool, not stable at room temp