| Pre-Approval | None |
| Supplemental Information Requested | Requested: Travel history, rash onset date, symptoms, varicella-zoster vaccination history, contacts to known case(s)
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| Submittal Form | Specimens must be accompanied with a hard copy of the completed VRDL General Purpose Specimen Submittal Form (PDF) or a form generated in the VRDL Lab Web Portal. |
| Methodology (Commercial Test Name or Laboratory Developed Test (LDT)) | Real-time RT-PCR (LDT) (Diagnostic)
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| Reflex Testing | Genotyping
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| Acceptable Specimen Type(s) and Collection Method | Human specimens: - Lesion swab: swab of unroofed lesion in liquid viral or universal transport medium or in sterile dry tube
- Scab from lesion in dry, sterile, screw-cap tube
- Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF): Collect CSF in sterile, screw-cap tube
Swabs must be a Dacron or synthetic tip with aluminum or plastic shaft
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Minimum Volume Requested
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| Transport Medium (if using) | Only for lesion swabs: 2–3 mL of Universal or Viral Transport Medium
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| Specimen Labeling | Each specimen tube must be labeled with at least two unique patient identifiers, e.g., patient full name and date of birth. |
Storage & Preservation of Specimen / Shipping Conditions
| - Swabs in transport medium or CSF should be refrigerated or frozen promptly after collection. Freezing is strongly recommended.
- Dry swabs or scabs may be stored and shipped at ambient temperature.
Ship refrigerated specimens to VRDL on cold packs. Ship frozen specimens to VRDL on dry ice. |
Shipping Instructions
| Work with your local public health department to ensure samples are packaged according to instructions for Biological Substance – Category B (UN 3373) shipment. Ship specimens and a hard copy of the completed submittal forms to: CDPH VRDL ATTN: Specimen Receiving 850 Marina Bay Parkway Richmond, CA 94804 Phone: 510-307-8585
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Turnaround Time
| 10 Business Days
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Limitations
| Negative result does not preclude the possibility of infection
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Additional Information
| Specimens should be collected as close to symptom onset as possible.
To collect a lesion swab, unroof the lesion with a sterile needle. Using a sterile synthetic swab, vigorously swab the base of the lesion. Place swab in liquid viral or universal transport medium or in a sterile dry tube.
For more information, please check the CDC VZV specimen collection guidance
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VRDL Points of Contact
| Medical and Epidemiology Liaisons: (510) 307-8585 or VRDL.submittal@cdph.ca.gov
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