Tzanck

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

Overview

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

The procedure for the Tzanck test involves the following steps:

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

Results

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

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

• Herpes simplex
• Varicella zoster virus
• Poxvirus

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