Tzanck Smears
Indications: Detection and characterization of inflammatory/infectious processes of the skin, especially herpetic infection (Tzanck smear).Specimen Required: Direct smear of material collected from a skin lesion, usually a vesicle
Supplies:Two (or more) clean glass slides with label end, skin scraping spatula, request form
Collection Procedure: Label the slides in pencil with the patient name. Gently scrape the area of abnormality. If the abnormality is a vesicle, remove the covering and scrape both at the base of the vesicle and around the rim. Quickly and evenly smear the collected material on one of the glass slides. Repeat the process with the second slide if necessary for better diagnostic yield. Repeat the process for additional areas if necessary. Allow the slides to air dry (do not fix). Submit the specimen along with a completed request form.
