Varicella-zoster virus antibody test

Procedure Information

What is the Varicella-zoster virus antibody test?

The Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) antibody test is a type of blood test used to determine if someone has been infected with the virus. The test looks for antibodies that the body has created in response to having the virus.

Why would I get the Varicella-zoster virus antibody test?

The Varicella-zoster virus antibody test is used to diagnose an active or previous infection with VZV. It can also help determine if a person is at risk of developing related illnesses, such as shingles, which is caused by the same virus.

What happens during the Varicella-zoster virus antibody test?

A healthcare professional will take a sample of your blood and send it to a lab for testing. The lab will use a technique called enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to identify any antibodies that are present in the blood sample.

What to expect after the Varicella-zoster virus antibody test?

After the Varicella-zoster virus antibody test, the results should be available within a few days. A positive result means that the test detected antibodies in your blood, which indicate that you have or had a VZV infection.

Conclusion

A Varicella-zoster virus antibody test is a type of blood test used to diagnose an active or previous infection with the Varicella-zoster virus. It can also help identify if a person is at risk of developing related illnesses, such as shingles. The test involves taking a sample of blood, which is then analyzed in a lab using a technique called enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results are usually available within a few days and a positive result means the presence of antibodies in the blood which indicates an infection or past infection.