What happens during chickenpox and shingles testing?
You will need to provide a sample of blood from your vein or from the fluid in one of your blisters. Blood tests check for antibodies to the VZV. Blister tests check for the virus itself.
For a blood test from a vein, a health care professional will take a blood sample from a vein in your arm, using a small needle. After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood will be collected into a test tube or vial. You may feel a little sting when the needle goes in or out.
For a blister test, a health care provider will gently press a cotton swab on a blister to collect a sample of fluid for testing.
Both types of tests are quick, usually taking less than five minutes.
