Chicken Pox Antibodies Igm Blood
What is this test?
Chickenpox antibodies IgM blood test is used to detect the presence of immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies against the chickenpox viral antigen in the blood. This test helps to determine whether a person has chickenpox infection or not.
What are antibodies?
Antibodies are produced when any foreign substance or virus or bacteria enters into the body. Detection of antibodies in the body may indicate the presence of infections. This test screen for the IgM antibodies. IgM antibodies against chickenpox virus are detected in current or recent infection. These antibodies may be absent in vaccinated individuals.
What is chickenpox infection?
Chickenpox is an infection caused by a virus characterized by an itchy rash with small, fluid-filled blisters. It is also known as varicella and is more common in children. This infection can spread easily from one person to another through contact with an infected individual. Individuals who have had this infection once may rarely get affected again. Signs and symptoms of chickenpox usually develop about 10 to 21 days after exposure to the virus. The main sign of chicken pox is rash. Other signs and symptoms that may occur before the appearance of rash are fever, headache, loss of appetite, body pain, etc. Followed by rashes you may also experience signs and symptoms such as raised pink or red bumps, small fluid-filled blisters, crusts, and scabs, etc. The rashes spread to the entire body and lesions may form in the eyes, throat, urethra, anus, vagina, etc.
Complications of chickenpox include dehydration, brain inflammation, pneumonia, bacterial infections of the skin, soft tissues, bones, joints or bloodstream etc. Chickenpox during pregnancy is a serious condition and can cause birth defects in newborns. Taking a vaccination may prevent the disease.
Why this test is performed?
This test is performed to screen or diagnose the presence of chickenpox infection. Your doctor may ask to perform this test if he suspects a chickenpox infection or if you experience any signs and symptoms of chickenpox such as fever, headache, loss of appetite, body pain, skin rashes, raised pink or red bumps, small fluid-filled blisters, crusts, and scabs, etc. You may be advised to perform this test if you come in contact with a person with chickenpox infection. This test is also recommended to check whether an individual has immunity to chickenpox due to vaccination or to a previous infection.
Also known as Chicken Pox Antibodies IgM.
Test Preparation
Inform your doctor if you are on any medications, have any allergies or underlying medical conditions before your Chicken Pox Antibodies Igm Blood. Your doctor will give specific instructions depending on your condition on how to prepare for Chicken Pox Antibodies Igm Blood.
No specific preparation is required for this test. However, follow all the instructions given by your healthcare provider.
Understanding your test results
The test results may vary depending on gender, age, health conditions, and other factors.
If the test result is positive or shows the presence of IgM antibodies in the blood, this may indicate that you are likely to have a chickenpox infection.
If the test result is negative or no IgM antibodies is found in the blood, this may indicate you are unlikely to have a chickenpox infection or you may have no or low immune response towards the infection. Negative results may also indicate the presence of immunity from vaccination or prior infection.
Based on the test results, your doctor may advise appropriate medical treatments or further diagnostic tests.
| Gender | Age groups | Value |
| UNISEX | All age groups | The antibodies are not normally present. The presence of IgG antibodies indicates a past infection |