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.