MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Tzanck test

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Tzanck test

Contents of this page:
Illustrations Alternative names Definition How the test is performed How to prepare for the test How the test will feel	Why the test is performed Normal Values What abnormal results mean What the risks are Special considerations

Illustrations

Viral lesion culture

Alternative names Return to top

Herpes skin test; Chicken pox skin test

Definition Return to top

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").

How the test is performed Return to top

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 Return to top

Infants and children:
The preparation you can provide for this test depends on your child's age, previous experiences, and level of trust. For general information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following topics:

Infant test or procedure preparation (birth to 1 year)
Toddler test or procedure preparation (1 to 3 years)
Preschooler test or procedure preparation (3 to 6 years)

How the test will feel Return to top

When the sore is scraped or rubbed, there may be mild discomfort.

Why the test is performed Return to top

The test may help diagnose or confirm an infection with 1 of these 2 viruses. This test can not distinguish between these two viruses.

Normal Values Return to top

No presence of herpes-infected cells in the scraping is normal.

What abnormal results mean Return to top

The results are immediately available. If herpes-infected cells are detected, the patient has been infected with one or the other of the following:

Herpes simplex (which causes cold sores, fever blister, or genital sores)
Varicella-zoster virus (which causes chickenpox and "shingles").

What the risks are Return to top

There are no risks with this test.

Special considerations Return to top

There is a high rate of false-negative results even when the virus is present.

Update Date: 1/26/2004

Updated by: Daniel Levy, M.D., Ph.D., Infectious Diseases, Greater Baltimore Medical Center, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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