The antibody test for VZV is usually requested so that immune status can be identified after a person at high-risk has been found to be exposed to possible infection. It is also often conducted before vaccination. If a person is suffering from a typical or unusual shingles or a chicken pox infection with severe symptoms, VZV testing Is often requested.
The VZV test will identify any antibodies present in the blood that your body has made against the VZV virus. This particular virus is extremely contagious and will result in the patient developing either chicken pox or shingles. The first exposure to this virus will result in a chickenpox infection.
When vaccines are given ‘live’ then they will generally provide immunity that is long lasting. In studies that have been done, the antibodies following VZV vaccination have been found to last for between ten and twenty years following the vaccination.
There is a test that is commonly used to find out whether a person has antibodies to varicella from past infection with the virus. This is the WC whole infected cell ELISA test, that is done using a blood sample and that detects seroconversion to infection by VZV.
if you have never suffered from chicken pox, or if you don’t know whether you’ve had the virus then an immunity test should be able to give you an answer. This particular type of blood test will check whether you are producing any antibodies to the virus that causes chicken pox. If the blood test the results show antibodies then that means you are protected or immune from catching the virus.
IgG and IgM antibodies will appear To five days after the rash that signifies VZV infection. Titres will be highest at the two-to-three-week point. VZV IgM antibody levels will then decrease rapidly and at about 12 months after the infection will be undetectable. IgG antibody levels will also gradually decrease, and for several years will give a positive test result.
Select the test that you would like to undergo
Go to the Harley Street clinic for your blood draw and pay for your test in person
As soon as the results are ready, the will be sent to you by your chosen method
