What causes chickenpox?

Chickenpox is caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), a highly contagious member of the herpesvirus family. The virus spreads easily through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes, and through direct contact with the fluid from chickenpox blisters. You can catch chickenpox by being in the same room as someone who has it, even without direct contact, making it one of the most easily transmitted childhood illnesses.

What is the best test for chickenpox?

The Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV) Antibodies, IgG test is the most important test for chickenpox because it detects IgG antibodies that indicate whether you have immunity to the virus. This blood test reveals if you had chickenpox in the past or were successfully vaccinated, as your body produces these protective antibodies in response to VZV exposure. The test is essential for healthcare workers verifying immunity status, women planning pregnancy, and anyone who cannot recall having chickenpox as a child and needs to confirm their protection level.

When should I get tested for chickenpox?

You should get tested if you work in healthcare and need to verify your immunity status, are planning to become pregnant and are unsure if you had chickenpox as a child, or have been exposed to someone with chickenpox and do not know if you are protected. Testing is also important if you have a weakened immune system and need to confirm whether you have immunity, or if you are an adult with no memory of having chickenpox and want to know if you need vaccination.

What are the symptoms of chickenpox?

Chickenpox symptoms start with fever, headache, fatigue, and loss of appetite, followed by the characteristic itchy rash that appears 1-2 days later. The rash begins as small red bumps that quickly develop into fluid-filled blisters, which eventually crust over and form scabs. New waves of blisters continue to appear for several days, so you will have bumps, blisters, and scabs all at the same time, typically covering the face, chest, back, and sometimes spreading to the arms and legs.

Who is at risk for chickenpox?

Anyone who has not had chickenpox or been vaccinated is at risk, but the infection is most common in children under 12 years old. Pregnant women without immunity face serious risks including birth defects if infected during pregnancy, while newborns, adults, and people with weakened immune systems from conditions like HIV or cancer treatment are at higher risk for severe complications. Healthcare workers, teachers, and daycare staff have increased exposure risk due to frequent contact with potentially infected individuals.

What happens if chickenpox is left untreated?

Most healthy children recover from chickenpox without complications, but leaving it untreated can lead to bacterial skin infections from scratching the blisters, pneumonia, brain inflammation (encephalitis), and in rare cases, death. Adults and people with weakened immune systems who contract chickenpox face much higher risks of severe complications including hospitalized pneumonia and organ damage. The virus also remains dormant in nerve cells after infection and can reactivate years later as shingles, causing painful nerve inflammation and long-lasting discomfort.

Can chickenpox be diagnosed with a blood test?

Active chickenpox is typically diagnosed by examining the characteristic rash, but blood tests are essential for determining immunity status. The VZV IgG antibody test reveals whether you have protective antibodies from past infection or vaccination, making it valuable when you need to verify immunity before potential exposure situations. Blood tests can also detect IgM antibodies during active infection to confirm diagnosis in unclear cases, though this is less common since the rash is usually distinctive enough for clinical diagnosis.

How is chickenpox treated?

Chickenpox treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing complications through rest, staying hydrated, and using calamine lotion or oatmeal baths to reduce itching. Over-the-counter antihistamines can help control scratching, while acetaminophen reduces fever (never give aspirin to children with chickenpox as it can cause serious complications). Antiviral medications like acyclovir may be prescribed for adults, pregnant women, newborns, or people with weakened immune systems to reduce severity and duration, especially if started within 24 hours of rash appearance.

How can I prevent chickenpox?

The varicella vaccine is the most effective prevention method, providing about 90% protection against infection and nearly 100% protection against severe disease when given in two doses. Children should receive their first dose at 12-15 months and the second at 4-6 years, while adults without immunity should also get vaccinated, especially if they work in healthcare or plan to become pregnant. If you are exposed to chickenpox and are not immune, getting vaccinated within 3-5 days of exposure may prevent or reduce the severity of infection.

What can I do at home for chickenpox?

Keep your fingernails trimmed short and wear cotton gloves at night to prevent scratching and bacterial skin infections, while taking lukewarm baths with colloidal oatmeal or baking soda every few hours to soothe itching. Wear loose, breathable cotton clothing to avoid irritating the blisters, and dab on calamine lotion to dry out the sores and reduce discomfort. Stay isolated from others, especially pregnant women, newborns, and immunocompromised individuals, until all blisters have crusted over (usually 5-7 days after rash appears), and maintain good hydration with plenty of water and soft, bland foods if mouth sores make eating difficult.

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.

How do I know which test to get?

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.

When will my lab results be available?

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.

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?

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.

Do you accept health insurance?

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.

Can I cancel my order?

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.

How can I find a lab location near me?

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 Blood Test | Private MD Labs

Chickenpox (Varicella) Blood Test

What is Chickenpox (Varicella)?

Chickenpox (varicella) is a highly contagious viral infection characterized by an itchy rash with fluid-filled blisters. It is caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), which spreads through respiratory droplets and direct contact with the rash. The Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV) Antibodies, IgG test is the most important test for determining immunity status and confirming past infection or successful vaccination.

Written by Private MD Labs Medical Team

Last updated: December 29, 2025

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!

754-799-7833

support@privatemdlabs.com