Tzanck-Test

The Tzanck smear is a cytological detection method to dermatology. It is named after the French dermatologist Arnault Tzanck ( 1886-1954 ).

There are so-called Tzanck cells ( giant cells, see picture) detected in Blasengrundausstrich after May- Grünwald staining. A positive detection of Tzanck cells is an indication of:

• Pemphigus vulgaris
• Herpes simplex
• Varicella- zoster virus and herpes zoster infections
• Cytomegalovirus infection