Varicella Zoster IgM (Chicken Pox) Test

Varicella Zoster is a virus that causes varicella, commonly known as chickenpox, during childhood and herpes-zoster or shingles in adults. Chickenpox is a highly contagious disease which is identified by skin rash and fever. The initial symptoms include a mild fever and eruption of blisters which later transform into a fever with a significantly high temperature and extremely itchy rashes. Symptoms are detected 1-2 weeks after attack of the virus. The disease occurs only once as the virus remains dormant from the second time. However, shingles is a localized eruption of rashes due to the reactivation of the virus. ImG or Immunoglobin M is the largest and the first antibody that is released by the body in response to an infection. The test uses a blood sample to test the presence of these antibodies.

Varicella Zoster is a virus that causes varicella, commonly known as chickenpox, during childhood and herpes-zoster or shingles in adults. Chickenpox is a highly contagious disease which is identified by skin rash and fever. The initial symptoms include a mild fever and eruption of blisters which later transform into a fever with a significantly high temperature and extremely itchy rashes. Symptoms are detected 1-2 weeks after attack of the virus. The disease occurs only once as the virus remains dormant from the second time. However, shingles is a localized eruption of rashes due to the reactivation of the virus. ImG or Immunoglobin M is the largest and the first antibody that is released by the body in response to an infection. The test uses a blood sample to test the presence of these antibodies.

Positive results indicate the presence of the Varicella Zoster Virus.

The presence of the Varicella Zoster Virus can be detected using a blood sample, which is obtained using normal norms. The area, usually accommodating the visible vein on the inside of your hand (near your elbow) is cleaned using an alcohol pad. A thin needle is inserted and the brood is drawn out. The area is then bandaged. The sample is sent for testing if the IgM antibodies are present. Since, blood is drawn, there might be a little bleeding or a mild spell of dizziness.