Test Database

Description

Qualitative chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA) for IgG antibodies to Varicella zoster virus in serum, used to determine immune status. This test is NOT suitable for diagnosis of chickenpox or shingles. Instead, a swab should be sent for molecular testing. If an urgent VZV IgG test is required following contact with chickenpox or shingles, contact on-call Infection StR via the hospital switchboard. This assay is available routinely Mon to Fri. This test is not UKAS accredited

Clinical details

Varicella-zoster virus is the causative agent of Chickenpox. Initial symptoms may include nausea, fever, aching, painful muscles, headache, generally feeling unwell, and loss of appetite. These are followed by a characteristic itchy red vesicular rash, covering the whole body. Complications such as pneumonia, septicaemia (blood poisoning), and meningitis may occur in neonates less than four weeks old, pregnant females and those of any age with a suppressed immune system. Infection during pregnancy may lead to fetal infection. Although rare this can cause serious complications including, scarring of the skin, eye defects, shortened limbs, and brain damage. After a chickenpox infection, the virus stays dormant in the body's nerve tissues and may reactivate, causing shingles.

Related condition

Varicella, chickenpox, herpes zoster, vesicular rash, shingles, encephalitis, pneumonia, meningitis.

Reference range

Not Applicable

  

Units

Milli-international units per milliliter (mIU/mL): numerical values < 250 mIU/mL are stated, numerical values >250 mIU/mL are reported as "Detected"

Synonyms

VZV

Testing site

Synnovis : Infection Sciences : Blackfriars Hub

Laboratory

Virology