Tzanck test

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Viral lesion culture

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Tzanck test

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").

The sore is scraped and the scraping is put on a slide and stained. The health care provider then examines it under a microscope.

There is no special preparation necessary.

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

The test may help diagnose or confirm an infection with one of these two viruses. This test cannot distinguish between these two viruses.

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