Version July 2025
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What is a chickenpox and shingles blood test? —
This is a test to look for antibodies to the "varicella-zoster virus." This is the virus that causes chickenpox and shingles.
When you are sick, your immune system makes antibodies to help fight the germs causing the sickness. The antibodies let your body react faster and protect you if you are exposed to the germs again.
A blood test can show if you have antibodies to the varicella-zoster virus. This can show if you are infected with the virus or had it in the past.
Why might I get a chickenpox and shingles blood test? —
Your doctor might order this test:
●To see if you had chickenpox or shingles in the past
●Before you get pregnant, or early in pregnancy
●If you have symptoms that could be caused by chickenpox or shingles
●To determine if you need a vaccine
●Before you get medicine that can affect your immune system
How do I prepare for a chickenpox or shingles blood test? —
You need to get a "blood draw." Your doctor or nurse will tell you where to go for this.
It might help to wear a short-sleeve shirt to your blood draw appointment. This makes it easier for the person drawing your blood to get to your arm.
What happens during a blood draw? —
A needle is used to take a small amount of blood from your arm (figure 1). Collecting the blood only takes a few minutes. The blood is then tested in a lab.
Tell the person who takes your blood:
●If you take "blood thinner" medicines or have a bleeding problem – They will make sure your bleeding is under control before you leave.
●If you have a latex allergy – Some of the supplies used for blood draws might contain latex.
●If you have a preferred arm to use
Most of the time, getting blood taken does not cause problems. You might have a little soreness or bruising where the needle went in.
What do my results mean? —
Your doctor or nurse will tell you when to expect your results, and will contact you with the results. Or if you use an online "patient portal," you might get an alert there when your results are ready.
Your doctor or nurse will talk to you about what to do next based on your test results. They might need to do more tests to figure out the cause.
If you do have a health problem, your doctor will work with you to come up with a treatment plan.
Patient education: Chickenpox (The Basics)
Patient education: Shingles (The Basics)
Patient education: Chickenpox prevention and treatment (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Shingles (Beyond the Basics)
