A test commonly used for herpes virus infection. Pioneered by the Russian dermatologist Arnault
Tzanck (1886–1954), it is carried out by unroofing a vesicle with a scalpel, scraping its base, applying the
material to a microscope slide, fixing it with 95% alcohol, and preparing it with a standard Wright or
Giemsa stain. If positive, the test reveals multinucleated giants cells, confirming that the cause of the lesion is either herpes simplex or varicella zoster.
Tzanck (1886–1954), it is carried out by unroofing a vesicle with a scalpel, scraping its base, applying the
material to a microscope slide, fixing it with 95% alcohol, and preparing it with a standard Wright or
Giemsa stain. If positive, the test reveals multinucleated giants cells, confirming that the cause of the lesion is either herpes simplex or varicella zoster.