Varicella zoster virus DNA

Description: 
Varicella-zoster virus (VZV), a member of the herpes virus family, is a double stranded DNA virus that causes chickenpox (varicella) and results in a latent infection. Reactivation of the latent virus may subsequently occur causing shingles (zoster) and a number of neurological syndromes. An early diagnosis of VZV replication in the central nervous system can be obtained by detecting virus-specific DNA sequences in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) with the polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
Clinical details: 
Vesicle fluid or swab in VTM or CSF can be assessed for VZV DNA
Related condition or disease: 
VZV DNA, chickenpox, herpes zoster, varicella encephalitis
Synonyms or keywords: 
VZV DNA, chickenpox, herpes zoster, varicella encephalitis
Units: 
Positive/Negative/Inhibitory
Department: 
Infection Sciences Department
Location: 
King's College Hospital
Sample type and Volume required: 
Vesicle fluid or swab in VTM, CSF, vitreous specimens, plasma, eye swabs in VTM
Turnaround time: 
2 days
Criteria for acceptance / rejections of sample
Time limit for extra tests: 
28 days
Contacts:
South London Specialist Virology Centre
Results: 02032996155 Medical Advice: 02032996298
King's College Hospital
Cheyne Wing, 2nd Floor (opposite Liver ITU)
Denmark Hill
London SE5 9RS

DX address: South London (PHL) Kings DX 6570200 Peckham 90SE
For clinical advice or interpretation of results, please contact the laboratory in the first instance.
Laboratory: 
Virology Laboratory at King's

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Last updated: 07/08/2015