What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're experiencing a new blistering rash and want to know if it's caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the virus behind chickenpox and shingles. It's especially useful if you have a fresh crop of fluid-filled blisters, since the virus is easiest to detect within the first few days of the rash appearing. This helps confirm whether your symptoms are from chickenpox, shingles, or a different skin condition.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will be available in your account along with an explanation of what a positive or negative result means. If the culture comes back positive, next steps typically include resting, keeping the rash clean and covered, and avoiding contact with pregnant women, newborns, and anyone with a weak immune system until the blisters have crusted over. The standard lab report can be downloaded directly from your account for your records. You can also track this result over time using the trends feature if you're ever tested again.

Who should consider this test?

Anyone with a new, unexplained blistering rash that looks like chickenpox or shingles should consider this test, especially if the blisters appeared within the last three days. It's also useful for people who were exposed to someone with chickenpox or shingles and later developed a rash. People with weakened immune systems who develop any unusual rash may also want to confirm the cause quickly.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Watch for a rash that starts as red bumps and quickly turns into small, fluid-filled blisters, often along with fever, tiredness, or body aches. Shingles typically causes a painful, band-like rash on one side of the body, while chickenpox causes itchy spots spread across the trunk, face, and limbs. If blisters are fresh (within the first three days), this is the best window to get an accurate result.

When will I get my results?

Results are typically ready within about 7 days from when the lab receives your sample. This timeframe allows the lab to properly grow and identify the virus from the collected sample. You'll be notified as soon as your results are posted to your account.

How can I naturally support recovery from a viral rash?

Getting plenty of rest, staying hydrated, and eating a balanced diet can help your immune system fight off the virus more effectively. Cool baths, loose clothing, and calamine lotion can ease itching and discomfort from the blisters. Avoid scratching the blisters, since this can lead to scarring or secondary skin infections.

What is varicella-zoster virus and why does it matter?

Varicella-zoster virus is a member of the herpes virus family that causes chickenpox when you're first infected and shingles later in life if the virus reactivates. It matters because the virus can spread easily to others who haven't had chickenpox or the vaccine, and in some people it can cause more serious complications. Knowing for certain that this virus is the cause helps guide how you manage symptoms and protect people around you.

What does a positive result mean?

A positive result means the virus was found in your sample, confirming that your rash is caused by varicella-zoster. This means you're likely contagious until all the blisters have crusted over, so it's important to limit close contact with others, especially those who are pregnant, very young, or immune-compromised. Resting and managing symptoms at home is usually the main course of action for uncomplicated cases.

What causes a flare-up of shingles?

Shingles happens when the chickenpox virus, which stays dormant in your nerve tissue after your first infection, reactivates later in life. This is often triggered by a weakened immune system, high stress, aging, or certain illnesses and medications that lower your body's defenses. Keeping stress in check and maintaining a healthy immune system may help lower the chances of a flare-up.

What should I do if my results are abnormal?

If your result is positive, focus on rest, hydration, and keeping the rash clean to prevent secondary infection while avoiding contact with vulnerable people. If you develop severe symptoms like difficulty breathing, confusion, or a rash near your eyes, seek medical care right away, as these can signal more serious complications. Otherwise, most cases resolve on their own within one to two weeks as the blisters crust and heal.

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 Culture Test - Chickenpox & Shingles Rash Check

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 Culture Test for Chickenpox & Shingles

Varicella-Zoster Virus, Rapid Method, Culture

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 happens after I get my results?

Who should consider this test?

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

Find a lab near you

Varicella-Zoster Virus Culture Test for Chickenpox & Shingles

Prescription & all lab fees included

Doctor's guidance included

Fast & convenient

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

Varicella-Zoster Virus Culture Test for Chickenpox &amp; Shingles

Varicella-Zoster Virus, Rapid Method, Culture

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 happens after I get my results?

Who should consider this test?

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

Find a lab near you

Varicella-Zoster Virus Culture Test for Chickenpox &amp; Shingles

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

Varicella-Zoster Virus Culture Test for Chickenpox & Shingles

Varicella-Zoster Virus Culture Test for Chickenpox & Shingles