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Varicella Antibodies Test

Price
£95

Turnaround

24 hours

Appointment

15 minutes

Varicella Test tube

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pound iconPrice: £95

Turnaround: 24 hours

Appointment: 15 minutes

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.

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.

Woman doctor smiling
Woman doctor taking notes

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 Results

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?

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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

preparing for appointment

Preparing for test

Typically, no specific preparations are required for a Varicella Antibody Test. However, it is advisable to inform the healthcare provider if you are or breastfeeding.

during the appointment

During the test

The test involves a simple blood draw. This typically takes just a few minutes. A needle will be used to collect a small sample of blood. The procedure is usually quick and well-tolerated.

post appointment

Results

You may resume your normal activities immediately after the blood draw. Your results will usually take a few days to process. If the test is positive, it means you have immunity to the virus. If the test is negative, you may need to consider getting vaccinated against the virus.

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.

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confidential

Your medical records are kept private at all times.

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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.
Can I get the Varicella Antibody Test if I am pregnant?
Yes, pregnant women can get the Varicella Antibody Test to assess their immunity to chickenpox. If you are pregnant and have not had chickenpox or the vaccine, your healthcare provider may recommend the test to determine if you are at risk and to discuss vaccination options after childbirth if necessary.

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