Should Varicella-Zoster Virus Culture Be Eliminated? A Comparison of Direct Immunofluorescence Antigen Detection, Culture, and PCR, with a Historical Review

Abstract excerpt

A comparison of direct fluorescent-antibody assay (DFA), culture, and two PCR assays disclosed sensitivities of 87.8%, 46.3%, and 97.6% and 100%, respectively. We reviewed 1,150 results for clinical specimens submitted for DFA and culture and found that only 17 were culture positive/DFA negative. The incremental cost to detect these 17 positives was $3,078/specimen.

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