Tzanck smear

• Tzanck goodness I don't have herpes!
• This microscopic test identifies virally infected cells for the diagnosis of herpes simplex, varicella, zoster infections, and can also be used for molluscum contagiosum.
• The roof of an intact vesicle is removed with a scalpel
• The base of the vesicle should be scraped for cells, and that scraping, plus the fluid and roof of the blister should be smeared onto the microscope slide. Allow to dry.
• The material should be stained with Wright's or Giemsa's stain.
• Visualization of multinucleated giant cells (keratinocytes) confirms the diagnosis of a herpes simplex virus (HSV) or varicella zoster virus (VZV) but does not specify the type of infection.