Tzanck

Tzanck test is a medical test used primarily in dermatology, named after the French dermatologist Arnault Tzanck.

Overview[edit | edit source]

The Tzanck test is a microscopic examination of skin lesions to detect multinucleated giant cells. It is used to diagnose infections caused by certain viruses, such as herpes simplex, varicella zoster, and poxvirus. The test is performed by scraping the base of the lesion with a scalpel or glass slide, then staining and examining the sample under a microscope.

Procedure[edit | edit source]

The procedure for the Tzanck test involves the following steps:

The skin lesion is cleaned with an antiseptic.
A local anesthetic may be applied to numb the area.
The base of the lesion is scraped with a scalpel or glass slide.
The scraped material is smeared onto a glass slide.
The sample is stained with a special dye.
The stained sample is examined under a microscope.

Results[edit | edit source]

A positive Tzanck test shows multinucleated giant cells. These are large cells with multiple nuclei, which are a characteristic sign of infection with herpes simplex, varicella zoster, or poxvirus. A negative Tzanck test does not rule out these infections, as the test can sometimes give false-negative results.

Limitations[edit | edit source]

The Tzanck test is a relatively simple and quick procedure, but it has several limitations. It cannot distinguish between different types of viruses, so a positive result only indicates a viral infection, not the specific type of virus. The test can also give false-negative results if the sample does not contain enough infected cells.

See also[edit | edit source]

Tzanck Resources
Need Help Finding a Doctor? Need help finding a doctor or specialist anywhere in the world? Explore our world directory. WikiMD's DocFinder can assist you in locating millions of physicians.	Medical Knowledge Access the latest research - Most recent articles Ongoing trials.