What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're experiencing a blistering rash, unexplained nerve pain, or symptoms of shingles or chickenpox that won't go away. It's also useful if you have a weakened immune system and your care team suspects the virus has spread beyond the skin to organs like the lungs, liver, or nervous system. The test finds and measures the actual virus DNA in your sample, which helps confirm an active infection rather than just past exposure.

What's included in this test?

This test measures the actual amount of Varicella-Zoster Virus DNA present in your sample, rather than just checking for antibodies. Because it gives a precise viral load number, it's especially useful for confirming an active infection and for watching how well treatment is working over time, particularly in people with weaker immune systems or nervous system symptoms.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will show up in your online account with the viral DNA level explained in plain terms, including whether virus was detected and how much was found. If your result is positive, next steps usually involve starting or adjusting antiviral treatment and rechecking your viral load in a few weeks to see if it's dropping. If your levels are very high or you have severe symptoms like trouble breathing or confusion, seek medical care right away. You can download the full lab report anytime and use the trends feature to track your viral load over multiple tests.

When will I get my results?

Results are typically ready within about 7 days of your sample being processed at the lab. You'll get a notification as soon as your report is available in your account, and you can log in anytime to view or download it.

Who should consider this test?

This test is a good fit for anyone with a current shingles or chickenpox rash that's severe, spreading, or not improving as expected. It's especially important for people with weakened immune systems, unexplained nerve pain, or neurological symptoms like confusion or vision changes, since VZV can spread to internal organs in these cases. People being monitored during antiviral treatment may also use this test to track progress.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Watch for a painful, blistering rash that follows a band or stripe pattern on one side of the body, which is typical of shingles. Widespread chickenpox-like rash in someone who should already be immune, along with fever, breathing trouble, or confusion, can also point to a more serious VZV infection. Nerve pain, tingling, or numbness near a rash site is another common sign worth testing for.

How can I naturally support recovery from a VZV infection?

Getting enough rest, staying hydrated, and eating a nutrient-rich diet can help your immune system fight off the virus more effectively. Keeping any rash clean and avoiding scratching lowers the risk of skin infections and scarring. Reducing stress through gentle activities like walking or breathing exercises may also support immune function, though these steps work alongside, not instead of, antiviral treatment when needed.

What does a high viral load result mean?

A high VZV DNA level means there's a large amount of active virus in your body, which often lines up with more severe or widespread symptoms. This is especially significant in people with weaker immune systems, where high viral loads can signal the infection is spreading to organs like the lungs or nervous system. A high result is a strong signal to start or adjust antiviral treatment and monitor closely.

What causes a high or detectable VZV DNA result?

An active chickenpox or shingles outbreak is the most common cause of a detectable result, since the virus is actively multiplying in your body. Reactivation of the dormant virus, often triggered by stress, aging, or a weakened immune system, is another frequent cause, especially in older adults or those on immune-suppressing medications. Rarely, the virus can reactivate and spread internally without a visible rash, which this test can help catch.

How often should I retest?

If you're being treated for an active infection, retesting every few weeks can help show whether your viral load is going down in response to treatment. Once your levels return to undetectable and symptoms resolve, ongoing retesting usually isn't needed unless new symptoms appear. People with weakened immune systems may benefit from more frequent monitoring during flare-ups.

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short: In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy! If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

How do I know which test to get?

In the test options, find the test you want. If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option. Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

When will my lab results be available?

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know. After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop! If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you. Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you. There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out. Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Do you accept health insurance?

Only HSA & FSA is accepted. Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts. This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Can I cancel my order?

Yes. We get it – sometimes your needs change. As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order. If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com. You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

How can I find a lab location near me?

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp). Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

VZV DNA PCR Test - Shingles & Chickenpox Detection

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

754-799-7833

[email protected]

Varicella-Zoster Virus (Shingles/Chickenpox) DNA PCR Test

Varicella-Zoster Virus DNA, Quantitative Real-Time PCR

Prescription & all lab fees included

Doctor's guidance included

Fast & convenient

Prescription & all lab fees included

Doctor's guidance included

Fast & convenient

What's this test for?

What's included in this test?

What happens after I get my results?

Here’s why 1,000,000+ customers chose us for affordable hassle-free private blood testing.

Find a lab near you

Varicella-Zoster Virus (Shingles/Chickenpox) DNA PCR Test

Prescription & all lab fees included

Doctor's guidance included

Fast & convenient

1,000,000+ blood tests later, here's what our customers say