Qualitative detection of VZV by PCR.
Tube
Dependent on sample type.
ID
3665.
Availability
Mon – Sat. Samples for same-day testing must arrive before 9:30am.
Additional Information
Skin or vesicle swab – confirmation of chicken pox
Throat swab – rash
CSF- meningoencephalitis
Eye swab – conjunctivitis
Send to
Microbiology Department, Centre for Laboratory Medicine, St James’s University Hospital, Beckett Street, Leeds, LS9 7TF.
Collection Con
Do not use dry swabs for specimen collection. Optimal time of collection is the acute phase of illness. For collection of samples from vesicular lesions a sterile needle should be used to unroof the vesicle and then swab used to vigorously swab the base to collect epithelial cells and fluid.
Sample REQ
Min. Vol 350.
IP Routine TAT
3 days.
GP Routine TAT
3 days.