Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood (serum)
- Fasting: No fasting required
- Turn-around: 2–3 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
Benefits
- Verify immunity to chickenpox and shingles without a doctor's visit
- Get results quickly with 2-3 day turnaround time and online access
- Peace of mind for employment, school, or travel requirements
- Protect your family by confirming immunity status before exposure risks
- No special preparation needed - just a simple blood draw
- Confidential results delivered directly to you with physician review included
Who Is This Test For?
- Adults unsure of their chickenpox vaccination or infection history
- Healthcare workers needing proof of immunity for employment
- Pregnant women or those planning pregnancy
- School staff, childcare workers, or students with requirements
- Immunocompromised individuals assessing infection risk
- Anyone exposed to chickenpox who needs to confirm immunity status
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online - Select your test and schedule a convenient lab appointment
- Visit the lab - Quick blood draw at any of our nationwide locations
- Get results - Secure online access to results in 2-3 business days
FAQ
What does this test detect? This test measures IgG antibodies to varicella-zoster virus, confirming immunity from past infection or vaccination.
Do I need to fast before this test? No special preparation or fasting is required for this blood test.
What's the difference between IgG and IgM antibody tests? IgG antibodies indicate long-term immunity, while IgM antibodies suggest recent or active infection.
Can this test tell if I'm currently infected? No, this IgG test shows past exposure or vaccination. For active infection, an IgM test is needed.
How accurate is this test? Commercial IgG tests have over 90% accuracy for detecting past infection (CDC 2025).
What if my results are negative? A negative result means you're susceptible to chickenpox and should consider vaccination.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
This test detects and measures IgG antibodies specific to the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), which causes both chickenpox and shingles. The presence of VZV IgG antibodies indicates you have immunity from either past infection or vaccination. This test uses highly accurate chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA) or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) methods to provide reliable results (Mayo Clinic 2019).
The varicella-zoster virus belongs to the herpes virus family and remains dormant in nerve tissue after initial infection. While most people develop lifelong immunity to chickenpox, the virus can reactivate later in life as shingles, particularly when the immune system is weakened.
Who would benefit from this test?
This test is valuable for adults who cannot recall having chickenpox or receiving vaccination, healthcare workers requiring proof of immunity, and pregnant women assessing their risk status. Immunocompromised individuals, school staff, childcare workers, and those planning international travel also benefit from confirming their immunity status (Quest Diagnostics 2025).
Anyone exposed to chickenpox who needs to determine their risk of infection should consider this test. It's particularly important for adults, as chickenpox tends to be more severe in adults than children.
When should I order a Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV) Antibodies Blood Test, IgG?
Order this test before starting employment in healthcare or childcare settings, during pregnancy planning, or if you're immunocompromised and need to assess infection risk. It's also recommended if your vaccination or infection history is unclear, or if you've been exposed to someone with chickenpox (Michigan Medicine 2025).
Consider testing before travel to areas where chickenpox is common, or if you're starting medications that suppress your immune system. The test is also useful for confirming immunity in adults born outside the United States, where vaccination rates may vary.
How do I interpret the results?
Positive
- What it means: Immune due to past infection or vaccination
- Typical action: No action needed – you're protected
Negative
- What it means: Not immune – susceptible to infection
- Typical action: Consider vaccination if recommended
Equivocal
- What it means: Uncertain immunity status
- Typical action: Repeat testing or consult physician
Over 95% of U.S. adults have evidence of VZV immunity, but up to 10% of adults born outside the U.S. may be susceptible (CDC 2025).
Disclaimer: Reference ranges may vary by laboratory. Listed ranges are general guidelines and may differ from those used by the performing lab. Always consult your healthcare provider for interpretation.
Pre-test preparation
No special preparation is required for this blood test. You don't need to fast, avoid medications, or make any dietary changes. Simply schedule your appointment and arrive at the lab for a standard blood draw. The test requires only a small blood sample collected through routine venipuncture (Walk-In Lab 2025).
How often should I get tested?
- Initial immunity screening: Once, unless result is negative
- After negative result and vaccination: 6–8 weeks post-vaccination
- Immunocompromised patients: As recommended by physician
- Post-exposure (if non-immune): Not applicable – seek immediate care
Why early detection matters
Identifying non-immune individuals prevents outbreaks in healthcare and school settings, reducing both morbidity and healthcare costs. Early detection allows for timely vaccination, which is highly effective at preventing infection. For pregnant women, knowing immunity status helps avoid exposure during pregnancy when complications can be severe for both mother and baby (Labcorp 2025).
Approximately one in three people will develop shingles in their lifetime, with risk increasing with age. Understanding your VZV status helps in making informed decisions about vaccination and preventive care.
Related tests you may consider
Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) IgG Panel - Often required alongside VZV testing for comprehensive immunity screening in healthcare and educational settings.
Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV) IgM Test - Helps diagnose acute or recent VZV infection when current symptoms are present.
Hepatitis B Surface Antibody (HBsAb) Test - Commonly included in immunity panels for healthcare workers and immunocompromised patients.
