What does varicella IgG positive mean?

A positive IgG ELISA result indicates that a person has antibodies to VZV either from past varicella disease or vaccination. This test cannot distinguish whether the antibodies were from a past episode of varicella or vaccination.

When does varicella IgG become positive?

After VZV infection, IgG and IgM antibodies appear 2 to 5 days after the rash and show the highest titers at 2 to 3 weeks.

What is a positive varicella-zoster antibody?

The presence of detectable IgG-class antibodies indicates prior exposure to the varicella-zoster virus (VZV) through infection or immunization. Individuals testing positive are considered immune to varicella-zoster.

What does a positive varicella IgG mean in pregnancy?

Therefore, once exposure was documented, she should have a varicella-zoster IgG assay. If the IgG assay is positive, she can be reassured that she is immune. If the IgG is negative, she should be offered prophylaxis with either VZIG or acyclovir.

What does a positive IgG test mean for varicella?

A positive IgG result indicates the presence of antibodies to varicella zoster virus. – The test cannot distinguish between past infection and current infection though, so a positive result could indicate active infection and not immunity. – If active infection is not suspected based on your history, clinical presentation,…

Can a positive IgM be used to diagnose VZV?

Reference values apply to all ages. A positive IgG result coupled with a positive IgM result suggests recent infection with varicella-zoster virus (VZV). This result should not be used alone to diagnose VZV infection and should be interpreted in the context of clinical presentation.

What does a varicella-zoster virus antibody test mean?

Ask your healthcare provider what your test results mean for you. If testing is done to see if you are at risk of developing an infection and it finds varicella-related immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies in your blood, it means you are immune. You have had a chickenpox infection or have been immunized successfully.

What does a positive IgG antibody test mean?

The test cannot distinguish between past infection and current infection though, so a positive result could indicate active infection and not immunity. If active infection is not suspected based on the patient’s history, clinical presentation, and other laboratory results, then a positive IgG result is likely due to past infection.