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").

Herpes skin test; Chicken pox skin test

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.

Images

Viral lesion culture

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Tzanck test Results

Review Date: 02/10/2006
Reviewed By: Kenneth Wener, M.D., Division of Infectious Diseases, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)