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Blood Tests > Varicella Antibodies Test

Varicella Antibodies Test

Price
£145

Turnaround

1 - 3 days

Appointment

15 minutes

4.9

Rated 4.9 out of 5

4.7

Rated 4.7 out of 5

at a glance

Price: £145

Turnaround: 1 – 3 days

Appointment: 15 minutes

4.9

Rated 4.9 out of 5

4.7

Rated 4.7 out of 5

Varicella-Zoster Virus Antibody Testing

A varicella antibodies test, also known as a varicella-zoster virus (VZV) antibody test, looks for antibodies in your blood. These antibodies are produced to fight the varicella-zoster virus (a virus that is responsible for causing diseases like chickenpox and shingles).

It is an important test to determine immunity, especially when planning on becoming pregnant.

Why Is A VZV Test Important?

A Varicella Antibodies Test helps determine if an individual has immunity to the varicella-zoster virus. This test is particularly important for:

Assessing Immunity: It confirms whether someone has immunity due to previous infection or vaccination, reducing the risk of contracting chickenpox.
Guiding Vaccination Decisions: For those without immunity, the test can indicate the need for vaccination to prevent future infection.
Protecting Vulnerable Populations: Pregnant women, infants, and immunocompromised individuals are at higher risk for severe complications from varicella, so knowing immunity status can be life-saving.
Ensuring Workplace Safety: Healthcare workers and caregivers can use the test to ensure they’re not at risk of spreading the virus.
Preventing Unnecessary Exposure: It helps avoid chickenpox outbreaks in schools, daycares, and other group settings.

Chickenpox And Shingles

Chickenpox is a viral infection and it is highly contagious. It brings on an extremely itchy rash with small, fluid-filled blisters. The varicella-zoster virus also causes shingles. It is a very painful viral infection that causes a rash of small blisters or red spots on the skin. Did you know that, according to GP data, approximately 300 people in London seek medical consultation for chickenpox each week?

After a person has chickenpox, the virus remains in their body and can reactivate years later as shingles. Understanding whether you are immune to chickenpox can help prevent both primary infection and the risk of shingles.

Varicella-Zoster And Pregnancy

The varicella-zoster virus can be very dangerous in pregnancy. If a pregnant woman gets chickenpox during the first 20 weeks of pregnancy, the baby has a 1 in 50 chance of developing various birth defects. It is known as Congenital Varicella Syndrome (CVS). Symptoms include brain, eye, skin, muscle, and bone defects, as well as low birth weight and intellectual disability.

If a pregnant woman gets chickenpox in the days or weeks before giving birth, or if the baby gets chickenpox in the first few weeks of life, they may be born with neonatal varicella, which can be life-threatening.

Understanding The Different Possible Outcomes

In some cases, the result may be inconclusive, which means further testing may be needed to determine immunity

A positive result indicates that you have antibodies to the varicella-zoster virus, which suggests that you have either had chickenpox in the past or have been vaccinated against it. This means you are immune to the virus

A negative result suggests that you do not have immunity to the virus. If you are not immune, vaccination may be recommended to protect you from chickenpox

Statistics

Of UK adults have immunity to chickenpox

0 %

Of shingles cases occur in individuals over 50

0 %

Of pregnant women lack varicella immunity

0 %

Risk of neonatal varicella if infected near birth

0 %

How To Book A Blood Test Near You

book online or call us

Use our online booking engine or book your test by giving us a call.

Choose your test type

On the online booking engine select the “appointment type” you need.

meet with our experts

You will be seen by one of our friendly phlebotomists or trained clinicians.

Procedure

Type of sample taken: Blood

Why Choose Walk In Clinic
for blood testing

No
Hidden Charges

Transparent fees. The price you see is the price you pay.

No GP consultation
needed

No GP appointment requirement for blood tests

Established
since 1998

Experienced doctors & a professional team.

Strictly
confidential

Your medical records are kept private at all times.

testimonials

Jooyoung Nam

10 September 2026

I had a very positive experience at this clinic for my blood test and the follow-up with the GP. I particularly appreciated the care and attention throughout the process, including the follow-up after my results. Thank you to the team for making the experience so reassuring. I would happily recommend this clinic.

Lucy Cropper

31 August 2026

I had a fantastic experience at the Harley Street clinic. Staff were very welcoming and professional and booked my second blood test here also.

Truman Packard

19 August 2026

The service was efficient, personable and very complete. The doctor who saw me was very good, patient and sensitive. I’ll be going back.

Sue Heald

11 August 2026

As an international visitor, I was very grateful for the prompt attention to my request for an appointment. Dr Ali was respectful and empathetic in regard to my condition and suggested further treatment, which I was able to organise for the next day. Both offices I attended treated me appropriately and I would recommend Harley Street Health Walk-in Clinics to anyone visiting London who requires medical attention.

Isabella Johnson

3 August 2026

Highly recommend City Walk-In Clinic Really pleased with my experience at City Walk-In Clinic. I booked a female hormone test because I wanted some answers about a few symptoms I'd been having, and the whole process was straightforward. The staff were welcoming, friendly and didn't make me feel rushed at all. The blood test was quick, and they explained everything clearly before taking the sample. My results came back sooner than I expected, and it was reassuring to have everything presented in a way that was easy to understand. I'd definitely use the clinic again and would recommend it to anyone looking for a private female hormone test. Professional service, lovely staff and an all round positive experience.

Anabella Styles

9 July 2026

I had a private gp appointment yesterday as my feet have been swelling every day over the past few days. So I booked an appointment with Dr Heather. Dr Heather explained the possible causes of the swelling, including the heat that we are currently experiencing in London. Recommended further investigation if the swelling persists, to identify the underlying issue rather than just making assumptions.

Mary Anne

3 July 2026

I have used City Walk In Clinic as my go to place for routine blood tests. My recent full health check gave my doctor some clues that i may be approaching my menopause era. So my doctor has recommended that i do some tests to find out if indeed i am entering perimenopause, as the symptoms are there. Will be having my tests in the next few weeks. So glad i had a full health check, because all these symptoms were driving me crazy.

Dona P

24 June 2026

Really good service throughout. Reception staff were welcoming and the blood test was efficient and quick. Highly recommended as blood tests can be booked on the day with results being sent very quickly.

A B

23 June 2026

Great location for blood tests if you want very fast results! I got my results the same day, highly recommend!

Grace Vizcaino

2 June 2026

Very good service at a very reasonable cost. Same day results, I do recommend this clinic and would certainly be using it again.

Shona McGovern

16 May 2026

I attended The Harley Street Walk/in centre in the City recently. I was able to book my appointment the day before for a blood test at a time that suited me. The booking process was straightforward. The doctor that conducted the venous draw was efficient and very pleasant. I have never had such a painless venous draw and I have had many! My appointment was at 5pm and I had my results before 8 am the following day. I will be very happy to book my tests here in the future. Thank you.

Monju Zaman

19 April 2026

Very easy to arrange the appointment with plenty of immediate availability. Very convenient location. Friendly medical associate who took my blood and results arrived very promptly, ie early the next day. Seamless experience.

Nat N

17 April 2026

Attentive, welcoming and professional staff in a great area which is easy to get to! I always feel like I'm in good hands

Abdalla Mohamud Mohamed

18 March 2026

I had a very good experience at the clinic. The staff were punctual friendly and professional. I had a blood test done and received the results quickly on the same day. I would definitely recommend visiting them.

Ena Quinn

9 March 2026

Speedy and efficient place for quick bloods. Results have been same day for me. Very friendly staff too which is always a bonus

Arthur Attwell

22 January 2026

Great experience. I was visiting London from abroad and I needed a blood test before travelling onward. I arrived without an appointment and was done in 20 minutes. The staff were all lovely. I received my test results by email the next morning.

Omar

19 January 2026

Really professional and friendly. They always provide their results quickly!

Antigoni S.

17 January 2026

Very good experience — all the staff were very polite, I was assisted immediately, and the results were available the same day. Thank you very much Private City Clinic!

Sheila Daley

31 December 2025

I wanted a cholesterol check up and chose this clinic because it seemed to offer a competitive price for a detailed report. And so it turned out to be. Received a prompt and professional service at a price that was significantly less than other nearby providers in central London. I have now used it twice and would definitely recommend.

JenniferP-344

18 February 2025

I appreciated the discreet and professional care during my sexual health test. The clinic made me feel safe and respected, and the results were delivered quickly and privately. Definitely recommend if you value confidentiality.

MichelleD-11

21 February 2024

I can't express enough how pleased I am with the Private Walk-in Clinic. As someone who values privacy and comfort, this clinic hits all the marks. The waiting areas are designed for relaxation, and the staff ensures confidentiality at every step.

Anonymously

4 December 2023

The Walk-In Clinic in central London exceeded my expectations in every way. Their attention to detail and commitment to tailored care for their patients truly sets them apart. The availability of evening appointments until 6:30 pm was a game-changer for someone like me juggling multiple commitments.

LunaW23

14 May 2021

They are so fast. One call and I am there in a few hours, always the same team and so polite and nice.

JuliaSf

14 October 2020

I hope these guys open up again soon because I really cannot stand anyone else around here. they were perfect for me for tests and consultations whenever I needed them

Emily-M

2 August 2019

i have used these guys many times in the last 6 years and its always very fast and professional. most tests are done in 24hours and they call you to explain the results. recommended if you gp (like mine) gives you an appointment in 4 weeks time.

Blood Test Biomarkers

pricing

Varicella Zoster IgG

Varicella Zoster IgM

see other blood tests

Comprehensive Blood Profile

£79

Platinum Blood Profile

£229

Book Your Blood Test Today

We offer a wide range of private blood tests in London. Same-day appointments are available 5 days a week.

Specialist Medical Team

We work with experienced consultants & healthcare professionals who have received positive feedback from our patients, and with whom we have established long-term relationships.

Amin Ali

Medical Associate

Dr Heather Craig

General practitioner (GP)

Dr Kate Soffer

General practitioner (GP)

Dr Mohammad Mohseyni

Senior General practitioner

Dr Oluwaseyi Kayode

Medical Associate

Juhina Chameseddin

Medical Associate

Our Clinics

City Of London

Harley Street

fAQ

Can I get the Varicella Antibody Test if I have had chickenpox?

Yes, you can. The test can confirm immunity if you are unsure about whether you had chickenpox or need documentation for medical or travel purposes. If you have had chickenpox in the past, the test will detect VZV antibodies in your blood.

Can the Varicella Antibody Test detect shingles?

It cannot directly detect shingles. It can, however, detect if you have antibodies. If antibodies are present, it means you have had chickenpox in the past. That means that the dormant chickenpox virus can later reactivate as shingles when your immune system is compromised.

Does a positive Varicella Antibody Test guarantee lifetime immunity?

While a positive test usually indicates immunity, immunity can occasionally wane over many years. However, for most people, immunity lasts for a lifetime. In rare cases, a booster vaccine may be needed if immunity decreases.

Can the Varicella Antibody Test be performed in children?

Yes, this test can be performed at any age if there is a need to check immunity. It is commonly used for children who have unknown or incomplete vaccination histories, or who have been exposed to chickenpox and need to determine susceptibility.

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