Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV) IgG Titer Test

The Varicella-Zoster virus (VZV) is the herpes virus that causes both chicken pox and shingles. This IgG blood titer test is used to determine whether or not an individual has been vaccinated against the the Varicella-Zoster Virus or to determine if they have already had a past VZV infection.

Chickenpox (varicella) is characterized by itchy blisters that form a rash. The chicken pox infection leads to immunity from varicella in the future, but the virus remains latent within certain nerves cells in the body and can reactivate later as shingles.

Shingles (herpes zoster) produces a very painful rash in older adults or individuals with compromised immune systems.

VZV can spread to fetuses and result in congenital heart disease of the infant.