Diagnosis
of Smallpox
Laboratory
Diagnosis of Smallpox (19:11)
The most important
procedure for moderate risk patients is rapid diagnostic testing
for varicella zoster virus, or VZV. Laboratory testing should be
done in consultation with an infectious disease and dermatology
specialist. The most common method for detecting VZV in clinical
material is direct fluorescent antibody, or DFA. This method detects
VZV directly in cells using anti-VZV antibody conjugated to fluorescein
dye. Other methods for rapid detection of VZV in clinical material
include electron microscopy and detection of VZV DNA by polymerase
chain reaction testing of vesicular fluid or scabs.
Currently, laboratory
procedures for variola virus in clinical specimens should be done
only by the Centers for Disease Control.
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