M C Grossman1, D N Silvers. 1. Department of Dermatology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The Tzanck preparation is a standard technique for the rapid diagnosis of herpes simplex and varicella-zoster virus infections. OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to determine the ability of practicing dermatologists to interpret Tzanck preparations accurately. METHODS: Dermatologists at different levels of training interpreted a series of Tzanck preparations under test conditions. RESULTS: Second- and third-year residents had a pooled average for correct responses of 91%; dermatologists in practice less than 10 years, 84%; dermatologists in practice more than 10 years, 67%. CONCLUSION: Dermatologists are able to use the Tzanck preparation effectively for diagnosing herpetic infections. Second- and third-year residents who are most likely to be diagnosing blistering eruptions in immunosuppressed or otherwise critically ill patients are especially accurate interpreters.
BACKGROUND: The Tzanck preparation is a standard technique for the rapid diagnosis of herpes simplex and varicella-zoster virus infections. OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to determine the ability of practicing dermatologists to interpret Tzanck preparations accurately. METHODS: Dermatologists at different levels of training interpreted a series of Tzanck preparations under test conditions. RESULTS: Second- and third-year residents had a pooled average for correct responses of 91%; dermatologists in practice less than 10 years, 84%; dermatologists in practice more than 10 years, 67%. CONCLUSION: Dermatologists are able to use the Tzanck preparation effectively for diagnosing herpetic infections. Second- and third-year residents who are most likely to be diagnosing blistering eruptions in immunosuppressed or otherwise critically ill patients are especially accurate interpreters.