Synonyms: Chickenpox Titers; Herpes Zoster Antibodies; VZV IgG
Why It Is Done
Aid in the diagnosis of disease caused by varicella-zoster virus (ie, chickenpox and shingles)
Test Overview:
Varicella-zoster virus is a single virus which causes two diseases: chickenpox (varicella) in children and, after reactivation from latency, shingles (zoster) in adults. Disease caused by VZV is usually self-limited. However, the disease can be life-threatening in pregnant persons, immunocompromised persons, and children who receive cancer therapy.
How to prepare for the test
There is no special preparation for the test.