University of Virginia Health System

HERPES CYTOLOGY SCREENING

CPT CODE:  88313, 88160

SYNONYMS: Tznak's test

TEST INCLUDES: Staining of prepared slides and screening for viral changes in epithelial cells.

DEPARTMENT: Cytology         

SPECIMEN REQUIREMENT: A minimum of 1 slide with scrapings from the base of suspected Herpetic lesions smeared on labeled glass slide and allowed to air dry or smeared on labeled glass slide and immediately we-fixed in 95% ethyl alcohol.      

TESTING SCHEDULE: Monday - Friday 08:30 - 15:30.  Turnaround time: 2 working days, same day processing for neonates.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS: Slides must be labeled with patient's name at the site of collection. Be sure to indicate whether the slides are air-dried or alcohol fixed. Indicate if same day processing for neonate is needed.

REFERENCE INTERVAL: Absence of viral changes in epithelial cells.