A patient seated in the chair before a blood draw
In person

Chickenpox Immunity (Varicella IgG)

Your chickenpox (varicella) IgG antibody result, from one draw.

Loading price
  • 2,000+ lab locations. Find one near you
  • Nothing due at the lab. FSA / HSA accepted
  • Ordered by a licensed clinician

At a glance

Collection
Blood draw
A standard blood draw at the lab.
Preparation
None
Nothing to do ahead of time. Water is fine.
Results
2 to 4 days
Typical turnaround after your visit.
Where
2,000+ lab locations
Nationwide, with nothing due at the lab.

About this test

This test measures IgG antibodies to varicella-zoster, the virus behind chickenpox and, if it wakes up later, shingles. People often check it when unsure of their history or before a pregnancy. The lab notes it reflects immunity from past infection but is not suited to checking immunity after vaccination.

For adults 18 and older. Test availability varies by lab location.

Who should take this test?

For adults who are unsure whether they ever had chickenpox or are planning a pregnancy. If you were vaccinated or need a result for a school or job, check what the program accepts first.

Ask about this test

Not sure this is the right test?

AI-generated. For information only, not medical advice. Call 911 for an emergency.

What does this test measure?

Your result shows whether IgG antibodies to the chickenpox virus were found, which can help you and a healthcare provider talk about immunity from a past infection and next steps.

Varicella-zoster virus (chickenpox) IgG
Varicella IgG is an antibody to the virus that causes chickenpox and shingles. It reflects immunity from a past infection, but this test is not suited to measuring immunity after vaccination, so a negative result after vaccination may not mean you lack protection.
Why it’s measured: Reflects immunity from past chickenpox; not suited to post-vaccine checks.

How it works

  1. Step 1

    Order online

    Check out here. A licensed clinician in your state reviews your order and sends it to the lab.

  2. Step 2

    Visit a lab

    Bring a photo ID to any of 2,000+ lab locations. No fasting needed, and nothing is due at the lab.

  3. Step 3

    Get your results

    Results post to your account, usually in 2 to 4 days, each number next to the lab’s reference range.

Find a lab near you

Choose from 2,000+ lab locations nationwide. Your order works at any of them.

What your results tell you

The lab compares your varicella IgG result with its cutoff and reports an interpretation, such as positive, equivocal, or negative.

  • Your number next to the lab’s reference range
  • Explained in plain language
  • A licensed clinician reviews your order and, if appropriate, orders the test.
  • A lab report you can download and share

A negative or equivocal result is worth discussing with a healthcare provider, who can explain it and advise on vaccination.

Clinical-grade testing, from the comfort of home.

From the lab to your report, every step of our process meets the gold standard in medical testing.

  • CLIA-certified labs

    Every lab we partner with is certified under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments, meeting both state and federal standards with regular independent inspections.

  • We protect your health data

    We protect your health data with encryption and do not sell it. Some results must be reported to public health authorities by law. See our Privacy Notice.

  • Rigorous quality assurance

    All partner labs run regular internal quality checks, participate in proficiency testing, and comply with federal and state lab regulations.

  • Clinician-reviewed reports

    Results are reviewed by an independent, licensed clinician.

Questions

Common questions.

Anything else, our care team answers by phone, text, or email.

Not well. The lab says this assay reflects immunity from a past chickenpox infection but is not suited to measuring immune status after vaccination. So a negative result after vaccination may not reflect your immunity.

If you were vaccinated and need proof for a program, check your program’s requirements before choosing this test, and ask a healthcare provider which option fits.

A positive result means IgG antibodies to the varicella-⁠zoster virus were found. The lab notes this test reflects immunity from a past chickenpox infection.

The same virus can wake up years later as shingles, and this test does not tell you whether that will happen. A healthcare provider can explain what it means for you.

A negative result means the lab did not find varicella IgG antibodies above its cutoff. An equivocal result is borderline, so it cannot be read clearly either way. A healthcare provider can explain what your result means and advise on vaccination.

No. This test measures IgG antibodies, which build up after an infection. It is not a test for a current rash or for shingles. If you have a new painful rash or blisters, see a healthcare provider.

If you are pregnant and have been near someone with chickenpox or shingles, contact a healthcare provider right away rather than waiting for a lab result.

Lab tests are informational and don’t diagnose conditions on their own. Available to adults 18 and older; test availability varies by lab location. A licensed clinician reviews your order and, if appropriate, orders the test. All testing is performed at CLIA-certified laboratories. Not for emergencies: if you think you may be having a medical emergency, call 911.