Chickenpox Test

Chickenpox Test

Measure the level of IgG antibodies in the blood produced in response to VZV, the virus that causes varicella (chickenpox) and herpes zoster (shingles). Read more

Test details

Sample type:

Blood

Preparation:

You do not need to do anything special to prepare for the sample collection. Fasting is not required for this test.

Test type: In Person

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$59.00

+ $6.00 Physician Service Fee

Quantity

What

Measure the level of IgG antibodies in the blood produced by your immune system in response to VZV.

Who

Must be 18+ years of age to purchase.

How

Blood

Where

Find a location near you

Schedule an appointment, then visit a Quest Diagnostics patient service center location.

About the Test

Measure the level of IgG antibodies in the blood produced in response to VZV, the virus that causes varicella (chickenpox) and herpes zoster (shingles). It’s for those who are unsure whether they have had chickenpox or shingles in the past; require evidence of immunity from chickenpox to attend school or work at a particular job; or are planning an international trip. This test is not appropriate for those who want to confirm whether they have an active chickenpox or shingles infection or check immunity after vaccination.

With this test you can determine whether you've had exposure to VZV and if you've gained immunity to chickenpox from past infection or vaccination.

This test may be right if you or your child are:

Unsure if you’ve had chickenpox or shingles in the past
Attending a school or working at a job that requires evidence of immunity (whether from previous VZV infection or vaccination).

This test is not right if you or your child are:

Interested in learning the source of your immunity
Sick and want to confirm an active chickenpox or shingles VZV infection

The varicella zoster virus (VZV) is a highly contagious virus that can cause both varicella (chickenpox) and herpes zoster (shingles). Chickenpox is a contagious viral disease characterized by an itchy, blister-like rash. Initially, the rash appears on the chest, back, and face and then spreads across the body. After you have chickenpox, most people become immune to the virus for the rest of their lives, and they usually don’t get chickenpox again. However, the virus stays inactive in your body and can reactivate as shingles later in life. Shingles can cause a viral outbreak of a painful rash or blisters on the skin. Unlike chickenpox, shingles is not contagious. However, VZV is contagious and if you have shingles, you can spread the virus to another person, and they may develop chickenpox.

Prior to VZV vaccination, chickenpox was very common in the United States. The chickenpox vaccine uses a small amount of live VZV virus to help protect against chickenpox in individuals 12 months and older.

After being exposed to VZV through infection or vaccination, a person's immune system produces antibodies to help fight against the viral infection. Our Chickenpox Test measures the level of IgG antibodies in the blood produced in response to VZV due to a previous infection.

Although the same virus causes shingles and chickenpox, they are not the same illness. Both chickenpox and shingles can start with a rash, but some of the symptoms that follow differ as noted below.

Chickenpox:

Fever
Fatigue
Headache
Loss of appetite
An extremely itchy blister-like rash that usually appears on the chest, back, and face and then spreads across the body
Fluid-filled blisters that eventually turn into scabs

Shingles:

Fever
Fatigue
Headache
Chills
Upset stomach
Sensitivity to bright light (photophobia)
Severe pain, itching, or tingling in the area where the rash develops
A blistering rash that typically develops on the left or right side of the body, and, in some cases, on one side of the face
Fluid-filled blisters that eventually dry and crust over

Most chickenpox and shingles infections resolve without issues. The disease can be more severe and long-lasting in people with weakened immune systems, such as those living with HIV/AIDS or who have undergone organ transplantation.

You must be 18 years of age or older to purchase a test on questhealth.com. Purchases not permitted in: AK, AZ, HI.

You do not need to do anything special to prepare for the sample collection. Fasting is not required for this test.

After you provide your specimen, it generally takes few business days to process and release your test results. However, processing times may vary. Your test results will be available in a clear and easy-to-read report. Independent physicians are available to discuss questions or concerns you may have regarding your results.

How it works

In-person
In-home sample collection

Buy a lab test & schedule an appointment

No doctor visit required for purchase. Book a visit to one of 2000+ Quest locations.

Schedule an appointment

Visit Quest for sample collection

Complete your test sample collection during your scheduled appointment.

Get fast results online

Access results online as soon as they’re available.

View results

Get physician support

Discuss your results with an independent physician at no extra cost.

Buy a lab test
+ in-home sample collection

If in-home service is available in your area, purchase for an additional $55 fee.

Buy now

Schedule an appointment

After you make a purchase, Quest Mobile will contact you to schedule an in-home sample collection appointment.

In-home sample collection

A Quest Mobile phlebotomist will collect your sample and deliver it to Quest Diagnostics.

Get fast results online

Access results online as soon as they’re available. Discuss your results with an independent physician at no extra cost.

View results

In-home sample collection is not available in all locations.
Is in-home sample collection available near me?

FAQs

Can I get shingles if I've never had chickenpox?

You can’t get shingles if you have never had chickenpox.

Chickenpox and shingles are both caused by VZV. When a person who has never had chickenpox comes into contact with someone who has shingles, they may contract chickenpox; however, they cannot get shingles. After a person becomes infected with chickenpox, VZV remains inactive in the body. As a person ages or in those living with a weakened immune system, VZV may reactivate, causing shingles.

Can I use my FSA or HSA funds to purchase tests at questhealth.com?

You may be able to use your FSA or HSA funds to purchase lab tests at questhealth.com. Please review your FSA/HSA plan or check with a tax professional to confirm specific requirements for individual eligibility.

Tests purchased on questhealth.com are only for individuals who intend to pay directly for testing and do not want to submit a claim for reimbursement under their health insurance.