Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV) Antibodies Panel IgG & IgM Test
Short Name: VZV IgG/IgM Panel
Also known as: VZV IgG/IgM Antibodies, Varicella-Zoster Virus Serology Panel, Chickenpox/Shingles Antibodies Test
Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV) Antibodies Panel IgG & IgM Test test available at DNA Labs India for ₹2,574. Uses CLIA on Serum samples. Results in Reports are usually released on the same day for samples received by 9 am; if collected later, reports may be delivered by the next day.. Free home collection in 300+ cities across India.
🩺 Medically Reviewed By
Dr Kothari Ramesh Shantilal
Consultant Microbiologist · Reg: 27670
Last reviewed: September 7, 2026
Overview
The test detects VZV-specific IgG and IgM antibodies. IgG indicates past infection or prior vaccination, while IgM indicates acute/recent infection. It helps confirm chickenpox or herpes zoster and assess immunity status.
- Test Code
- 3723
- Price
- ₹2,574
- Sample Type
- Serum
- Result Time
- Reports are usually released on the same day for samples received by 9 am; if collected later, reports may be delivered by the next day.
- Fasting Required
- No
- Method
- CLIA
Sample Collection
No special preparation required. Inform the laboratory if you have received a blood transfusion, immunoglobulin preparation, or VZV vaccine in the past few weeks.
Method: Venipuncture
Laboratory Analysis
A blood sample will be drawn from a vein in your arm. The procedure takes only a few minutes.
Report Delivery
You may resume normal activities immediately. Keep pressure on the puncture site for a few minutes and report any unusual bleeding.
Timeline: Reports are usually released on the same day for samples received by 9 am; if collected later, reports may be delivered by the next day.
Patient Instructions
About This Test
Who Should Get This Test
The test detects VZV-specific IgG and IgM antibodies. IgG indicates past infection or prior vaccination, while IgM indicates acute/recent infection. It helps confirm chickenpox or herpes zoster and assess immunity status.
How to Prepare
- No fasting required
- Please provide accurate clinical history
- Sample should be collected before starting antiviral therapy wherever possible
Doctor's Notes
Reviewed by Dr Kothari Ramesh Shantilal — MBBS, MD (Microbiology) · Reg. No. 27670
"A positive IgG with negative IgM is the most common pattern in vaccinated or previously infected individuals. In acute varicella, IgM usually appears within a few days but can be absent in early testing. For atypical or severe infections, especially in immunocompromised patients, VZV PCR from a lesion swab may be preferred."
Last medically reviewed: September 7, 2026
Test Parameters & Specifications
Sample Stability
- Hemolyzed sample
- Lipemic sample
- Wrong container or label mismatch
- Sample received in expired transport tube
Understanding Your Results
IgG Positive, IgM Positive
Acute or recent VZV infection or reactivation; correlate clinically.
IgG Positive, IgM Negative
Past VZV infection or vaccination; suggests immunity.
IgG Negative, IgM Positive
Acute/early infection or recent exposure; correlate clinically and consider repeat testing.
IgG Negative, IgM Negative
No prior exposure or detectable immune response; the person may be susceptible to VZV. Repeat in 2-3 weeks if early infection is suspected.
Equivocal result
Repeat testing in 10-14 days may be helpful.
Consult your healthcare provider if you or your child develop a blistering rash, fever with vesicular lesions, unilateral painful rash, or if you are pregnant and have been exposed to chickenpox/shingles. Seek medical advice early for immunocompromised individuals.
Limitations
- ⚠This serology panel cannot distinguish between primary chickenpox and reactivation shingles with certainty
- ⚠IgM may be absent in the first few days of illness
- ⚠IgM may persist for weeks after infection and may not always indicate acute disease
- ⚠Negative results in early infection should be followed by repeat testing after 2-3 weeks
- ⚠PCR testing is recommended for definitive diagnosis in immunocompromised patients
Risks & Considerations
- ●Mild pain or bruising at the needle site
- ●Dizziness or lightheadedness
- ●Small chance of hematoma
- ●Infection is extremely rare
Interfering Factors
- ●Recent transfusion or immunoglobulin therapy may cause false positive antibody results
- ●Severe immunosuppression may lead to false negative IgM/IgG results
- ●Early infection may show negative IgM before seroconversion
- ●Cross-reactive antibodies from other herpes viruses may be observed
Compare With Similar Tests
| Test | Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV) Antibodies Panel IgG & IgM Test | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Comparison | Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV) Antibodies Panel IgG & IgM Test |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the VZV Antibodies Panel IgG & IgM test?
What is the cost of the VZV Antibodies Panel at DNA Labs India?
Do I need to fast for this test?
What does a positive VZV IgG result mean?
What does a positive VZV IgM result mean?
What does a negative VZV IgG and IgM result mean?
How is the VZV antibody test performed?
When will I get the report?
Can this test distinguish chickenpox from shingles?
Who should get this test?
Is home sample collection available?
Are there any risks in this blood test?
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