The Chickenpox and Shingles Test measures the level of IgG antibodies in the blood produced in response to VZV, the virus that causes varicella (chickenpox) and herpes zoster (shingles). It’s for those who are unsure whether they have had chickenpox or shingles in the past; require evidence of immunity from chickenpox to attend school or work at a particular job; or are planning an international trip. This test is not appropriate for those who want to confirm whether they have the active chickenpox or shingles infection or check immunity after vaccination.
What is tested?
The varicella-zoster virus (VZV) is a highly contagious virus that can cause both varicella (chickenpox) and herpes zoster (shingles). Chickenpox is a contagious viral disease characterized by an itchy, blister-like rash. Initially, the rash appears on the chest, back, and face and then spreads across the body. After you have chickenpox, most people become immune to the virus for the rest of their lives, and they usually don’t get chickenpox again. However, the virus stays inactive in your body and can reactivate as shingles later in life. Shingles can cause a viral outbreak of a painful rash or blisters on the skin. Unlike chickenpox, shingles is not contagious. However, VZV is contagious and if you have shingles, you can spread the virus to another person, and they may develop chickenpox.
Prior to VZV vaccination, chickenpox was very common in the United States. The chickenpox vaccine uses a small amount of live VZV virus to help protect against chickenpox in individuals 12 months and older.
After being exposed to VZV through infection or vaccination, a person's immune system produces antibodies to help fight against the viral infection. Our Chickenpox Test measures the level of IgG antibodies in the blood produced in response to VZV due to a previous infection.
Signs & Symptoms
Although the same virus causes shingles and chickenpox, they are not the same illness. Both chickenpox and shingles can start with a rash, but some of the symptoms that follow differ as noted below.
Chickenpox:
Shingles:
Most chickenpox and shingles infections resolve without issues. The disease can be more severe and long-lasting in people with weakened immune systems, such as those living with HIV/AIDS or who have undergone organ transplantation.
Eligibility
The Chickenpox and Shingles Test is for anyone who wants to determine whether they have antibodies to VZV due to a previous infection. You must be 18 years old or older to purchase.
Preparing For Your Test
You do not need to do anything special to prepare for the sample collection. This panel does not require fasting.
