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VARICELLA ZOSTER VIRUS (VZV) ISOLATION

Synonym(s):
Lab Section Category
Specimen Required

​Swabs or scrapings from vesicles on skin

CSF (1 – 2 mL) in sterile bottle for neurological presentation

Conjunctival swab or scraping for ophthalmic zoster

Nasopharyngeal aspirate, sputum or bronchoalveolar lavage for pneumonia

Send samples (except CSF) in Virus Transport Medium.
(See also Virology Section, General Guidelines for Virus Isolation & Collection Methods for Virus Isolation by Sample Type)

Storage/Transport

​Refrigerate samples until transport to laboratory. Do not freeze.

Send samples on ice pack to laboratory.

Method

​Tissue culture

Test Results

​Reported as Positive or Negative

Turnaround Time

​Positive report : 2 – 14 days
Negative report : 14 days

Day(s) Test Set up

​Monday – Saturday

Last Updated - 13 Jun 2025