Chickenpox Test

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.

Purchaser: You must be 18 years of age or older to purchase a test on questhealth.com.

Patient: This test can be performed on patients between 12 and 100 years old. If this test will be performed on someone less than 18 years old:

• The appropriate age bracket needs to be selected during purchase
• Both parent/guardian (hereinafter "parent") and patient information will need to be provided during test registration
• Both parent and patient must be present for sample collection, the parent will need to have their identification available at collection
• Results will be provided to the listed parent

Sample collection: This test requires sample collection at a Quest Diagnostics location or through Quest Mobile^TM where available, a convenient option for in-home sample collection*. Collection is not available in AK, AZ, or HI.

*Check your zip code here for service availability, testing may not be available in all locations. Quest Mobile is currently only available for individuals ages 18+.

Please note: Laboratory testing for children under 18 years of age should always be conducted with the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider. Our tests are designed to support continuity of care, ease of access, and empower families with accessible health information. They are not a substitute for medical evaluation or ongoing care from a pediatrician. Parents should review test results with their child's healthcare provider to ensure appropriate interpretation, follow-up, and treatment in the context of the rest of your child's care. If your child is experiencing symptoms or you have concerns about their health, please contact your pediatrician or seek other medical care immediately.

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. If you have or create a MyQuest® account, you may be able to review your new results there with your other Quest results. Independent healthcare providers are available to discuss questions or concerns you may have regarding your results.

If this test is performed on someone less than 18 years old, the results will be provided to the registered parent.