HSV + VZV DFA, Reflex Culture if Negative or Inadequate
Methodology
Direct Fluorescent Antibody (DFA) Cell Culture
Rejection Criteria
Room temperature samples Frozen samples Whole blood CSF Dry swabs Wood swabs eSwabs Calcium alginate swabs Bone marrow
Reference Range(s)
By Report
Specimen Requirements
Preferred Specimen
Viral Transport Media
Minimum Volume
N/A
Sample Stability
Unacceptable room temperature 2 days refrigerated Unacceptable frozen
Transport Temperature
Critical Refrigerated (CRF)
Collection Instructions
Vesicle fluid, swab, tissue or skin scrapings in viral transport media. Critical refrigerated (CRF). Collect vesicle specimen during the first 3 days of rash. Swab should be rolled in base of fresh vesicle to obtain cells. If DFA is Negative or Inadequate, culture will be added.