Why is this procedure done?
After you have had a virus, your body makes antibodies against that virus. The same thing happens when you get a disease. These antibodies allow your body to react faster and protect you if you are exposed to the virus again. ‚
This test finds out how many antibodies you have in your blood against the virus that causes chickenpox and shingles. If you do not have enough antibodies, you are more likely to catch one of these infections. This can be very serious, especially if you are having a baby. This test can help determine if your antibodies are so low that you need to get a vaccine. ‚
The doctor may order an antibody level: ‚
- When you are having a baby
- When you start a new job or school
- Check if you are protected from getting chickenpox or shingles
- If you have signs of one of these illnesses
- Before you get drugs that lower your immune system
- To go along with other tests to help diagnose other health concerns
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What will the results be?
- The doctor will look at the results of your test.
- The doctor may learn:
- You are protected from this illness
- You have had a recent infection
- An infection was passed from the mother to the child at birth
- A baby is protected because its mother was protected from the illness
- A baby is protected because its mother was protected from the illness.
- A negative test most often means you are not protected from the illness. You may need to get a vaccine.
- Your doctor may order another test to make a diagnosis.
- The doctor will talk with you about treatment.
What happens before the procedure?
- There are no special things to do before the test.
- Talk to your doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking
- If you have any bleeding problem
What happens during the procedure?
It will only take a few minutes to have this test. You will be awake the whole time. You will have a small amount of blood taken from you with a needle. You may have a small amount of pain. The needle will be taken out and a bandage will be put on your skin. The lab will test your blood. ‚
This test may also be done on other kinds of fluids or tissues. Talk to your doctor if something other than a blood test is being done. ‚
What happens after the procedure?
- You may want to sit quietly for a few minutes before standing up. This will help keep you from feeling dizzy after the test.
- Put pressure with your other hand where the needle was. This will help with bruising and bleeding.
- Ask your doctor when you will get the results.
What care is needed at home?
You may do your everyday activities when you get back home. ‚
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. This test will help your doctor understand if you have a problem with your immune system. Together you can make a plan for more care. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Pain
- Bruising
- Bleeding
- Feeling dizzy
- Infection
Where can I learn more?
American Association for Clinical Chemistry ‚
http://labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/chickenpox/tab/sample/ ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚