Tzanck testDefinition: The Tzanck test is a method of testing sores for the herpes simplex virus (which causes cold sores, fever blister, or genital sores), or varicella-zoster virus (which causes chickenpox and "shingles").
Alternative Names: Herpes skin test; Chicken pox skin test
How the test is performed: The sore is scraped and the scraping is put on a slide and stained. The health care provider then examines it under a microscope.
How to prepare for the test: There is no special preparation necessary.
How the test will feel: When the sore is scraped or rubbed, there may be mild discomfort.
Why the test is performed: The test may help diagnose or confirm an infection with one of these two viruses. This test cannot distinguish between these two viruses.
Normal Values: No presence of herpes-infected cells in the scraping is normal.
What abnormal results mean: The results are immediately available. If herpes-infected cells are detected, the patient has been infected with one or the other of the following:
What the risks are: There are no risks with this test.
Special considerations: There is a high rate of false-negative results even when the virus is present.
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