Question 1

What is Absence of immunity to Chickenpox?

Accepted Answer

Absence of immunity to chickenpox means you lack protective antibodies against the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). This occurs when you have never been infected with chickenpox naturally and have not received the varicella vaccine, or when vaccination did not produce adequate immune response. The Varicella-Zoster Virus Antibodies IgG test is the most important test for determining chickenpox immunity status.

Question 2

What causes absence of immunity to chickenpox?

Accepted Answer

Absence of immunity to chickenpox is caused by never having been exposed to the varicella-zoster virus through natural infection and not receiving the chickenpox vaccine. Some people who were vaccinated may also lack immunity if their immune system did not produce enough protective antibodies in response to the vaccine. Without exposure to the virus or successful vaccination, your body never develops the IgG antibodies needed to fight off chickenpox infection, leaving you vulnerable to the disease.

Question 3

What is the best test for chickenpox immunity?

Accepted Answer

The Varicella-Zoster Virus Antibodies IgG test is the most important test for determining chickenpox immunity because it directly measures the protective IgG antibodies your body produces after exposure to the varicella-zoster virus or vaccination. This blood test shows whether you have adequate antibody levels to protect against infection. Low or undetectable IgG levels indicate you lack immunity and may need vaccination, while normal or elevated levels confirm you are protected. This single test provides definitive evidence of your immunity status and helps healthcare providers make informed decisions about whether you need the chickenpox vaccine.

Question 4

When should I get tested for chickenpox immunity?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you cannot remember having chickenpox as a child, if you work in healthcare or education where exposure risk is high, if you are planning pregnancy or could become pregnant, or if you have a weakened immune system. Testing is especially important before starting immunosuppressive medications or chemotherapy, as chickenpox can be severe in immunocompromised individuals. Adults who grew up in tropical countries where chickenpox occurs less frequently should also consider testing to confirm their immunity status.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of chickenpox?

Accepted Answer

Chickenpox causes an itchy rash that starts as red spots and develops into fluid-filled blisters that eventually scab over. You might notice fever, headache, tiredness, and loss of appetite a day or two before the rash appears. The rash typically begins on the chest, back, and face before spreading to the rest of the body. New spots continue appearing for several days, so you will have spots at different stages of healing at the same time. Most people develop 250 to 500 itchy blisters during an infection.

Question 6

Who is at risk for chickenpox infection?

Accepted Answer

Anyone without immunity to chickenpox is at risk, but certain groups face higher danger from complications. Pregnant women without immunity risk serious complications for themselves and their unborn babies, including birth defects if infected during early pregnancy. Healthcare workers, teachers, and daycare staff have increased exposure risk through contact with infected individuals. Immunocompromised people, including those with HIV, cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, and organ transplant recipients face life-threatening complications from chickenpox. Adults who never had chickenpox as children typically experience more severe symptoms than children do.

Question 7

What happens if absence of immunity to chickenpox is left unaddressed?

Accepted Answer

Without immunity, you remain vulnerable to chickenpox infection throughout your life, and the disease is typically more severe in adults than children. Adults with chickenpox face higher risks of complications including pneumonia, encephalitis (brain inflammation), bacterial skin infections, and hospitalization. Pregnant women who contract chickenpox can experience serious complications and may pass the infection to their unborn baby, potentially causing congenital varicella syndrome with birth defects. After chickenpox infection, the varicella-zoster virus remains dormant in your nervous system and can reactivate later in life as shingles, causing painful rashes and potential long-term nerve pain.

Question 8

Can absence of immunity to chickenpox be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the Varicella-Zoster Virus Antibodies IgG blood test definitively diagnoses absence of immunity to chickenpox by measuring protective antibody levels in your blood. This simple blood draw measures IgG antibodies that appear after natural infection or successful vaccination. Low or undetectable antibody levels confirm you lack immunity and are susceptible to infection, while adequate levels indicate protection. The test is highly accurate and provides clear results that help determine whether you need the chickenpox vaccine for protection.

Question 9

How is absence of immunity to chickenpox treated?

Accepted Answer

Absence of immunity to chickenpox is treated through vaccination with the varicella vaccine, which stimulates your immune system to produce protective antibodies without causing actual disease. The standard recommendation is two doses of the vaccine given 4 to 8 weeks apart for adults who have never had chickenpox or been vaccinated. After vaccination, most people develop immunity within a few weeks. If you are exposed to chickenpox before vaccination is complete, post-exposure vaccination within 3 to 5 days may prevent or reduce disease severity. People who cannot receive the vaccine due to weakened immunity may receive varicella-zoster immune globulin (VZIG) after exposure for temporary protection.

Question 10

How can I prevent chickenpox infection?

Accepted Answer

The most effective prevention is getting vaccinated with the varicella vaccine if you lack immunity, which provides about 90% protection against infection and virtually eliminates risk of severe disease. Avoid close contact with people who have active chickenpox or shingles, as the virus spreads easily through respiratory droplets and direct contact with blisters. If someone in your household has chickenpox, they should stay isolated until all blisters have crusted over, which typically takes 5 to 7 days. Wash your hands frequently and avoid sharing personal items with infected individuals. If you are pregnant and lack immunity, be especially cautious about exposure and discuss vaccination timing with your healthcare provider for after delivery.

Question 11

What can I do at home if I lack immunity to chickenpox?

Accepted Answer

While you cannot create immunity at home, you can take steps to avoid exposure until you get vaccinated. Be aware of chickenpox outbreaks in your community, especially if you have children in daycare or school where the virus spreads easily. Maintain a healthy immune system through adequate sleep, balanced nutrition, regular exercise, and stress management, which helps your body respond better to vaccination when you receive it. Keep your vaccination records updated and inform healthcare providers about your lack of immunity before any procedures or hospitalizations. If you are exposed to someone with chickenpox, contact your healthcare provider immediately to discuss post-exposure vaccination or immune globulin treatment options.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
                In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
                Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
                If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
                Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
                You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
                If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
            support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update.
            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
            Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.
            This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
            Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Chickenpox Immunity Blood Test

What is Absence of immunity to Chickenpox?

What causes absence of immunity to chickenpox?

What is the best test for chickenpox immunity?

When should I get tested for chickenpox immunity?

References

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