Diagnosis of Chicken Pox:

Tests are not normally needed to diagnose chickenpox, because an initial mild fever followed by a rash, blisters and scabs are very characteristic.

Chickenpox is usually easy to distinguish from other rashes. Occasionally it can be confused with other conditions which affect the skin, such as insect bites or scabies. If there is any uncertainty as to what is causing your or your child's symptoms, a simple blood test can be carried out to identify the virus.

Testing

If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or have a weakened immune system you are more at risk of developing complications. Babies less than four weeks of age are also at risk. If you fall into one of these groups and have been in contact with someone with chickenpox, or you suspect you, or your child may have developed the condition, then you should visit your GP straight away. You may require some tests to establish your immunity to the condition.

If you have had chickenpox in the past, then it is extremely unlikely that you will contract chickenpox for a second time. If you know you have never had chickenpox, or you are unsure whether you have, then you may need a blood test to check to see whether you are producing the antibodies which protect the body from the chickenpox virus. If your blood test result shows that you do have the antibodies, then you will naturally be protected from the virus. If you do not have the antibodies, then you will require close monitoring, in case symptoms develop.