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Immunity and infection

Chickenpox (varicella) immunity test (IgG)

Written by the Zenlo Health editorial teamUpdated 2026-10-14Education onlyHow we review
Short answerThe varicella immunity test measures IgG antibodies to varicella zoster virus, which causes chickenpox and later shingles. A positive result suggests immunity from vaccination or past infection. Schools, health care employers, and pregnancy planning often call for it.
Fasting and prep
No fasting needed. Follow the instructions on your lab order.
Turnaround
Usually 1 to 3 days.
Also called
varicella titer, chickenpox titer, vzv igg, varicella zoster antibody, chicken pox immunity test

What it measures

IgG antibodies form after chickenpox or the varicella vaccine. Infection usually leaves high antibody levels. Vaccination leaves lower levels, and the CDC notes that standard commercial tests are not sensitive enough to detect vaccine-made immunity in some people. For that reason, the CDC does not recommend routine testing after vaccination.

Who should consider it

  • Adults with no record of two vaccine doses and no clear history of chickenpox
  • Health care workers and students who need proof of immunity
  • People planning pregnancy
  • Anyone exposed to chickenpox who is unsure of their status (ask a clinician quickly)

How to read your result

  • Positive means antibodies are present, which suggests immunity.
  • Negative or equivocal in someone with no vaccine record suggests you may not be immune, and vaccination may help.
  • A negative result after two documented vaccine doses may reflect test limits. The CDC still considers two documented doses as evidence of immunity.
  • Immunity to chickenpox does not prevent shingles, which comes from the same virus waking up later.

Reference ranges differ between labs. Use the range printed on your own report.

What to do next

If you test negative and lack vaccine records, talk with a clinician about two doses of varicella vaccine. It is a live vaccine, so people who are pregnant wait until after delivery. If you are pregnant or have a weakened immune system and get exposed to chickenpox, contact a clinician right away, since medicines given soon after exposure can lower the risk of severe illness.

Where to order Chickenpox

These sellers include an independent physician order. You pay online and visit a partner lab. Availability, price, and lab network vary, so confirm at checkout.

Private MD Labs

Online lab seller
Quest or LabcorpPay per testPay after results
Order
Every order reviewed by a physician. Says you pay $1 to start and the rest after results.
Results
Secure online portal with plain-English explanations. Says many results arrive overnight.
Visit site Read our review

HealthLabs

Online lab seller
Quest or LabcorpPay per test
Order
Online or by phone. No doctor referral or insurance needed.
Results
Secure HealthLabs account. Says 1 to 3 business days.
Visit site Read our review

Walk-In Lab

Online lab seller
Lab not namedPay per test
Order
Online, no insurance or doctor order needed. Shows a $6 physician fee per order on popular tests.
Results
Online account. Turnaround not stated on its homepage.
Visit site Read our review

Quest Health

Lab-run
QuestPay per testAt-home optionResults in lab account
Order
Buy online and book a Quest appointment. An independent provider is involved.
Results
Online as soon as ready, with an email alert. Provider discussion included at no extra cost.
Visit site Read our review

Seller details come from each seller's own site and can change. Confirm price, lab location, and state availability at checkout.

Ordering several tests? Plan them together · Filter all sellers

Questions people ask

I had chickenpox as a kid. Do I need this test?

A health care provider's diagnosis or verified history of chickenpox counts as evidence of immunity under CDC guidance. Some employers still ask for a titer.

Why is my titer negative even though I was vaccinated?

Vaccines leave lower antibody levels than infection, and standard tests can miss them. The CDC still counts two documented doses as immunity.

Does this test check for shingles?

No. It shows past exposure to the virus or the vaccine. A positive result means the virus could still cause shingles later, and adults 50 and older can get a shingles vaccine.

Can I order a varicella titer without a doctor?

Yes. Online sellers include a physician order and a blood draw at a partner lab.

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