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Test Code VZV Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV) Immunostain, Technical Component Only


Ordering Guidance


This test includes only technical performance of the stain (no pathologist interpretation is performed). If diagnostic consultation by a pathologist is required order PATHC / Pathology Consultation.



Shipping Instructions


Attach the green "Attention Pathology" address label (T498) and the pink Immunostain Technical Only label included in the kit to the outside of the transport container.



Specimen Required


Supplies: Immunostain Technical Only Envelope (T693)

Specimen Type: Tissue

Container/Tube: Immunostains Technical Only Envelope

Preferred: 2 Unstained positively charged glass slide (25- x 75- x 1-mm) per test ordered; sections 4-microns thick.

Acceptable: Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue block


Useful For

Aids in the identification of varicella zoster virus infection

Reflex Tests

Test ID Reporting Name Available Separately Always Performed
IHTOI IHC Initial, Tech Only No No
IHTOA IHC Additional, Tech Only No No

Method Name

Immunohistochemistry (IHC)

Reporting Name

VZV IHC, Tech Only

Specimen Type

TECHONLY

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time Special Container
TECHONLY Ambient (preferred)
  Refrigerated 

Reject Due To

Wet/frozen tissue
Cytology smears
Nonformalin fixed tissue
Nonparaffin embedded tissue
Noncharged slides
ProbeOn slides
Reject

Clinical Information

Varicella zoster virus (VZV) is a member of the herpes virus family and is the etiological agent for varicella (chicken pox) and herpes zoster (shingles). The immunostain for VZV uses a cocktail of antibodies that recognizes several glycoproteins, the nucleocapsid protein, and the immediate early protein of the virus.

Interpretation

This test does not include pathologist interpretation, only technical performance of the stain. If interpretation is required, order PATHC / Pathology Consultation for a full diagnostic evaluation or second opinion of the case.

 

The positive and negative controls are verified as showing appropriate immunoreactivity. If a control tissue is not included on the slide, a scanned image of the relevant quality control tissue is available upon request; call 855-516-8404.

 

Interpretation of this test should be performed in the context of the patient's clinical history and other diagnostic tests by a qualified pathologist.

Cautions

Age of a cut paraffin section can affect immunoreactivity. Stability thresholds vary widely among published literature and are antigen dependent. Best practice is for paraffin sections to be cut within 6 weeks.

Method Description

Immunohistochemistry on sections of paraffin-embedded tissue.(Unpublished Mayo method)

Day(s) Performed

Monday through Friday

Report Available

1 to 3 days

Specimen Retention Time

Until staining is complete.

Performing Laboratory

Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester

Test Classification

This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. It has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.

CPT Code Information

88342-TC, Primary

88341-TC, If additional IHC

LOINC Code Information

Test ID Test Order Name Order LOINC Value
VZV VZV IHC, Tech Only Order only;no result

 

Result ID Test Result Name Result LOINC Value
70893 VZV IHC, Tech Only Bill only; no result

Forms

If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Immunohistochemical (IHC)/In Situ Hybridization (ISH) Stains Request (T763) with the specimen.

Testing Algorithm

For the initial technical component only immunohistochemical (IHC) stain performed, the appropriate bill-only test ID will be reflexed and charged (IHTOI). For each additional technical component only IHC stain performed, an additional bill-only test ID will be reflexed and charged (IHTOA).