Chickenpox and Shingles Tests
Acesse agora, gratuitamente, o National Institutes of Health e consulte, com o suporte da inteligência artificial do ProtoMedi, informações técnicas detalhadas sobre este e outros medicamentos. Obtenha respostas rápidas e confiáveis sobre interações, indicações e precauções — no momento em que você mais precisa
Dados do National Institutes of Health
| Chickenpox and Shingles Tests : What are chickenpox and shingles tests? Chickenpox and shingles tests check to see if you are or have ever been infected with the varicella zoster virus (VZV). VZV is a type of herpes virus that causes chickenpox and shingles. This virus is also known as human herpesvirus 3 (HHV-3) and the herpes zoster virus. The first time you are infected with this virus, you get chickenpox. Once you have had chickenpox, you can't get it again. The virus stays in some of your nerve cells but is dormant (inactive). Later in life, the virus can become active again and cause shingles. Unlike chickenpox, you can get shingles more than once, but it is rare. A shingles infection is sometimes also called herpes zoster. Testing for VZV involves checking for VZV in a blood, fluid, or tissue sample. There are different types of tests to do this: - A PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test. This test looks for genetic material from VZV in a sample. It is most often done on a sample of fluid taken by swabbing open blisters (a swab test). In some cases, other fluids may be used, but the results may not always be as accurate. The PCR test can get results quickly and is the most useful test for confirming a VZV infection. - A viral culture test. For this test, cells from a swab test sample are grown in a lab and then checked for VZV. This test is not as accurate as a PCR test. - A direct fluorescent antibody (DFA) test. This test is also done on a swab test sample that is sent to a lab. It involves using a fluorescent dye and a special microscope to look for VZV in the sample. It is a rapid test, but it is not as accurate as a PCR. - An antibody test. This is a blood test that looks for VZV antibodies. Antibodies are proteins that your immune system makes to fight foreign substances, such as viruses and bacteria. Testing for one type of antibody (IgM) can show if you have a current or recent VZV infection. Testing for another type of antibody (IgG) can show if you have ever been exposed to VZV. Which tests and samples are used depends on the person and their symptoms. Other names: varicella zoster virus antibody, serum varicella immunoglobulin G antibody level, VZV antibodies IgG and IgM, herpes zoster | |
| Review Date: 12/03/2024 | Updated By: |