Ency. home > Test > T > Tzanck test

Tzanck test   

Overview | Risks | Results

Alternative names:

Herpes skin test; Chicken pox skin test

Definition:

The Tzanck test is a method of testing 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

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

Older children and adults:
No preparation is necessary.

Infants and children:
The physical and psychological preparation you can provide for this or any test or procedure depends on your child's age, interests, previous experiences, and level of trust. For specific information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following topics as they correspond to your child's age:

• 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

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 1 of these 2 viruses. This test can not distinguish between these two viruses.

Ency. home > Test > T > Tzanck test

---

[an error occurred while processing this directive]