The Tzanck smear: can dermatologists accurately interpret it?
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%.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Grossman
M C
MC
Department of Dermatology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032.
Silvers
D N
DN
D002983:Clinical Competence; D003880:Dermatology / Q000193:education; D006561:Herpes Simplex / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D006562:Herpes Zoster / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D016591:Histocytological Preparation Techniques; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency; D013997:Time Factors