Varicella Immunity Test

Service Description

Biomarker: Varicella-Zoster Virus IgG Sample: BLOOD Results: 2-5 working days Phlebotomy fee: £15 ABOUT VARICELLA VIRUS =========================== WHAT IS IT? Varicella, also commonly known as chickenpox, is a highly contagious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). TRANSMISSION: Varicella is very contagious and can spread easily from person to person through direct contact ( breathing in or touching the airborne droplets from an infected person's cough or sneeze), or indirect contact ( touching objects or surfaces (contaminated with the varicella virus from an infected person's rash). People with chickenpox are contagious from about 1-2 days before the rash appears until all the blisters have crusted over (usually about 5-7 days). SYMPTOMS: The most recognizable symptom of varicella is an itchy, blister-like rash that appears in waves over several days. The rash typically starts on the face and torso before spreading to other parts of the body. Other common symptoms can include: --Fever --Fatigue --Loss of appetite --Headache IMMUNITY TEST: The immunity test measures the presence and the level of antibodies to the varicella-zoster virus in the blood stream. Antibodies are proteins that the body's immune system produces in response to an infection. A positive antibody test result indicates that the individuyal has been exposed to the VZV and has developed immunity to the virus. This can happen in two ways: 1. Vaccination - The VZ vaccine contains a weakened form of the VZV that helps the body's immune system to produce antibodies against the virus. 2. Recovery from infection:- After an acute infection with the VZ virus, the body's immune system will usually clear the virus from the body and produce antibodies against the virus. Once you have had chickenpox or received the vaccine, you are typically immune to varicella for life. The varicella-zoster virus can reactivate later in life as shingles, but shingles is not contagious like chickenpox. IMPORTANCE OF TESTING: 1. Prevents unnecessary vaccination. 2. Protects vulnerable individuals 3. Having peace of mind by knowing your status