Varicella

Contact Info

Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Prevention and Control Division

651-201-5414

On this page:
Testing for varicella
Testing for zoster
Collection instructions
Sending VZV specimens to MDH-PHL
Media, containers, and shipping conditions
Results and turnaround
Additional information

Testing should be done for all cases of varicella because:
- Clinical diagnosis is now less reliable. The classic maculopapular vesicular rash is seen less frequently, and rash in vaccinated patients may lack vesicles and resemble other viral rashes or even bug bites.
- Recommendations for exclusion and post-exposure prophylaxis are diagnosis dependent.
The MDH Public Health Laboratory (MDH-PHL) and most reference laboratories provide PCR testing for people with suspect varicella. However, MDH requests specimens from lesions be submitted to MDH-PHL for PCR.
To request testing supplies for submitting specimens to MDH-PHL, please complete the VPD Test Kit Request.

Testing for suspected cases of zoster should only be sent to MDH-PHL when:
- Case is under 18 years of age.
- Case of any age has history of vaccination for varicella-zoster virus (VZV) and no history of varicella disease.

Method	Where available	Best specimens for diagnosis	Advantages and disadvantages
VZV PCR (Recommended)	Most reference laboratories, MDH-PHL	Vesicular fluid, crusts/scabs, maculopapular scraping	Sensitive, specific, timely. MDH-PHL distinguishes wild-type from vaccine strain.
VZV DFA	Reference laboratories, virology laboratories	Vesicular scraping	Less sensitivity than PCR, but specific and timely.
Virus Culture	Reference laboratories, virology laboratories, MDH-PHL	Vesicular fluid, maculopapular scraping	Specific, but less sensitive and timely than PCR. Requires active (“live” virus) in viral transport medium. May detect other viruses causing rash.
Serology (VZV IgG) (Only recommended for immunity testing)	Most reference laboratories	Serum	Recommended for testing for immunity, but not for diagnosis of disease.
Serology (VZV IgM) (Not recommended)	Most reference laboratories	Serum	Many commercial assays are unreliable.

Collecting crusts (scabs).
- Crusts are an ideal specimen and can be lifted off the skin and placed in between two glass slides in a sturdy cardboard container or in a break-resistant, snap-cap or screw-top tube. Ship dry.
Polyester swab method-vesicular lesions.
- Use a sterile needle to unroof the top of the vesicle. Vigorously swab the base of the lesion, applying enough pressure to collect epithelial cells without causing bleeding-and collect vesicular fluid. Place swab into labeled tube. Ship dry. Do not place transport media into tube.
Glass slide method-maculopapular lesions (if no vesicles are present).
- Rake edge of a sterile slide over the maculopapular lesion, enough so skin cells are gathered on the slide. Then use a single swab to scrub the lesion and also to gather the material on the edge of the slide. Insert the swab into labeled tube. Ship dry. Do not place transport media into tube. Note: with young children, it may be less stressful if you ask them to help.

For information and a video on recommended techniques for collecting specimens from lesions, visit CDC: Collecting Specimens for Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV) Testing.

Notify MDH that specimens are being sent.
- For varicella, visit Reporting Varicella (Chickenpox) for reporting options.
- For zoster, use the MDH Yellow Disease Report Card.
Complete a "Clinical Testing and Submission Form" from Forms for the Infectious Disease Laboratory
- Each specimen requires its own form.
- Completely fill out the form and indicate which test is requested.
Send specimens to:
MDH Public Health Laboratory
Attn: Biological Accessioning
601 Robert Street N.
St. Paul, MN 55155-2531

Types of swabs

Use sterile swabs that can be inserted into a protective holder/tube for transport (such as a throat swab). The swab must be shipped dry.
Do not use gel swabs, calcium alginate-tipped swabs, or those with wooden shafts.

Transport media

Containers appropriate for specimen

Vesicular fluid – put swab in a tube, dry.
Crusts/scabs and maculopapular scrapings.
- Swab tube, dry.
- Sterile screw-capped vials.
- Slides in sturdy cardboard container.

Storage and shipping temperature

Results for testing done at MDH-PHL will be sent via fax to the submitting laboratory.
Turnaround time for PCR results is typically 2 business days after receipt of specimen(s).