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Varicella Zoster IgG antibody

Varicella Zoster IgG antibody

Varicella zoster virus (VZV) is a double-stranded alphaherpesvirus that causes seasonal outbreaks of chickenpox and shingles in non-immunized populations. VZV is highly infectious and is transmitted by contact with the ruptured fluid filled blisters and respiratory secretions of infected individuals. Immunity post infection is usually lifelong though the latent virus inhabits the sensory nerve ganglia where it can reactivate causing shingles when immunity declines with aging.[http://jvi.asm.org/content/88/24/13936.full] In the over fifty strains of VZV that have been sequenced it has been found that a single nucleotide polymorphism occurs about every 100 bases. The patterns of polymorphisms in VZV correlate with different geographical regions of infection and is the basis for the classification of viral clades.[https://grose.lab.uiowa.edu/vzv-genomes-and-evolution] Breuer proposed the nomenclature for the VZV clades as 1-5 with the suspected clades VI and VII to be confirmed later.

The geographical regions associated with the seven clades are as follows:
Clades 1 and 3-represent the dominant clades of the circulating VZV in Europe and the Americas
Clades 4 and 5-found in Africa
Clade VI found in France, Italy
Clade VII exclusively isolated in the US
Clade 2-Asia from Korea, Japan, China not found in India, Nepal and Bangladesh where clades 4 and 5 were dominant

Price of test:£22

The lowest price from the last 30 days: £22

Awaiting result:

One day

Collect material:

Blood

Prepare:

Learn more

Purpose of the test

The primary objective of laboratory testing for varicella (chickenpox) is to confirm suspected cases, especially in outbreaks, severe cases, unusual presentations, or potential vaccine-related adverse events. The most sensitive method for this confirmation is the use of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect VZV in skin lesions.

Who Should Get Tested

Testing is recommended for individuals who display symptoms of varicella, especially in the context of outbreaks or unusual presentations. It's also crucial for determining susceptibility to varicella and for evaluating if suspected vaccine-related adverse events were caused by the vaccine-strain VZV.

Blood Test Preparation Guidelines

Time of day

It is recommended to schedule your appointment for blood tests in the morning hours between 7:00-10:00.

Fasting

It is recommended to fast for approximately 12 hours before blood sampling. The last meal of the previous day should ideally be consumed around 6:00 p.m. On the day before the test, avoid heavy and fatty meals as well as alcohol.

Stay hydrated

Drinking water prior to testing can help with sample collection.

Other factors

Tests should not be performed after a sleepless night or intense physical activity. It is recommended to avoid exercise and stress immediately before blood collection and to not smoke. A short rest is recommended.

Medications and supplements:

Blood samples should be collected before the morning dose. Some drugs can interfere with test results. Consult with your doctor whether you can delay your dose because of lab tests.

Biotin supplements:

High doses of biotin supplements can affect test results, causing false elevation or reduction. It's recommended to avoid taking biotin for at least 72 hours before blood collection. If you are taking biotin, inform the personnel collecting the blood so that they can provide specific instructions.

Interpreting Test Results

The PCR test detects VZV DNA in skin lesions, making it a reliable method for confirming varicella. Other methods, such as direct fluorescent antibody assay (DFA) and viral culture, are available but are less sensitive than PCR. A positive result indicates the presence of VZV, but further interpretation in the context of clinical history and other diagnostic results is essential. PCR genotyping can distinguish between wild-type VZV and vaccine-strain VZV, which is crucial for understanding the cause of the infection.

Price of test:£22

The lowest price from the last 30 days: £22

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