The VZV (Varicella-Zoster Virus) IgG ELISA is a type-specific antibody test that looks for long-term IgG antibodies to the virus that causes chickenpox (varicella) and, later in life, shingles (zoster). Results are usually reported as Positive / Negative (some labs include Equivocal or an index value). A positive VZV IgG generally indicates immunity from past infection or vaccination; it does not diagnose a current case of chickenpox or shingles and cannot tell when or how you were exposed. A negative VZV IgG suggests no documented immunity—either you’ve never been infected/vaccinated, or it’s too early after vaccination/exposure for antibodies to appear. After infection or vaccination, IgG typically becomes detectable within 2–3 weeks (some people take longer); if testing soon after exposure or a recent vaccine, consider retesting in 2–6 weeks. If you have a current rash suggestive of chickenpox or shingles, diagnosis is best made by PCR testing of lesion material, not by IgG. In pregnancy, before certain immunosuppressive therapies, or for healthcare/child-care workers, confirming immune status with VZV IgG can guide counseling and infection-control plans; people without evidence of immunity usually discuss vaccination (when appropriate) or post-exposure management with their clinician. IgM testing is not recommended due to poor reliability. As with all serology, cutoffs are assay-specific; interpret your result using the performing lab’s ranges and clinical context.
VZV IgG antibodies (ELISA)
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