Question 1

What is Shingles (Herpes Zoster)?

Accepted Answer

Shingles (herpes zoster) is a painful viral infection characterized by a blistering rash that typically appears on one side of the body. It is caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), the same virus that causes chickenpox, which remains dormant in nerve tissue after the initial infection. The Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV) Antibodies, IgG test is the most important test for confirming immune response and viral exposure related to shingles.

Question 2

What causes shingles?

Accepted Answer

Shingles is caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), the same virus responsible for chickenpox. After you recover from chickenpox, usually during childhood, the virus remains dormant in nerve tissue near your spinal cord and brain. Years or decades later, the virus can reactivate and travel along nerve pathways to your skin, producing the painful rash characteristic of shingles. This reactivation typically occurs when your immune system weakens due to aging, stress, certain medications, or other health conditions that compromise immunity.

Question 3

What is the best test for shingles?

Accepted Answer

The Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV) Antibodies, IgG test is the most important blood test for shingles because it measures your immune system's antibody response to the varicella-zoster virus. This test confirms whether you have been exposed to VZV and helps assess your immune status, which is particularly valuable when the clinical presentation is unclear or in cases where confirmation of viral exposure is needed. Elevated VZV IgG antibody levels indicate that your body has mounted an immune response to the virus, supporting the diagnosis of shingles. While shingles is primarily diagnosed through clinical examination of the characteristic rash, this blood test provides essential supporting information about viral activity and immune response.

Question 4

When should I get tested for shingles?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you develop a painful, blistering rash on one side of your body, especially if you have a weakened immune system or are over 50 years old. Testing is also recommended if you experience burning, tingling, or numbness in a specific area before a rash appears, or if your healthcare provider needs to confirm VZV exposure in atypical cases. Additionally, if you have risk factors such as cancer, HIV, or are taking immunosuppressive medications, testing can help your doctor understand your immune status and guide appropriate treatment decisions.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of shingles?

Accepted Answer

Shingles symptoms typically begin with pain, burning, numbness, or tingling in a specific area on one side of your body. Within a few days, a red rash develops in the same area, followed by fluid-filled blisters that eventually break open and crust over. You might also experience fever, headache, fatigue, and sensitivity to light. The pain can be severe and is often described as sharp, stabbing, or throbbing, and it usually affects a band or strip of skin on one side of your torso, though it can occur on your face, neck, or other areas.

Question 6

Who is at risk for shingles?

Accepted Answer

Anyone who has had chickenpox is at risk for shingles because the varicella-zoster virus remains in your body for life. Your risk increases significantly after age 50, with about half of all shingles cases occurring in people over 60. People with weakened immune systems due to HIV, cancer, chemotherapy, organ transplants, or immunosuppressive medications face higher risk. Chronic stress, physical trauma, and certain chronic diseases like diabetes also increase your likelihood of developing shingles.

Question 7

What happens if shingles is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated shingles can lead to postherpetic neuralgia, a condition where severe nerve pain persists for months or years after the rash heals, affecting up to 20% of shingles patients. Other serious complications include vision loss if the virus affects your eye (ophthalmic shingles), hearing problems, facial paralysis, and bacterial skin infections from the blisters. In rare cases, shingles can cause brain inflammation (encephalitis), pneumonia, or widespread infection, particularly in people with compromised immune systems. Early treatment with antiviral medications can significantly reduce the severity and duration of symptoms and lower your risk of complications.

Question 8

Can shingles be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Shingles is primarily diagnosed through clinical examination of the characteristic rash and symptoms, but blood tests can provide valuable supporting information. The Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV) Antibodies, IgG test confirms your immune status and history of VZV exposure, which is helpful when the clinical presentation is atypical or unclear. While there is no single blood test that definitively diagnoses an active shingles outbreak, antibody testing helps healthcare providers understand your viral exposure history and immune response, which can guide treatment decisions and confirm the diagnosis in uncertain cases.

Question 9

How is shingles treated?

Accepted Answer

Shingles is treated primarily with antiviral medications like acyclovir, valacyclovir, or famciclovir, which are most effective when started within 72 hours of rash onset. These medications help reduce the severity and duration of symptoms, speed healing, and lower your risk of complications like postherpetic neuralgia. Pain management includes over-the-counter pain relievers, prescription pain medications, numbing creams or patches, and sometimes anticonvulsants or antidepressants for nerve pain. Cool compresses, calamine lotion, and oatmeal baths can soothe the rash and reduce itching.

Question 10

How can I prevent shingles?

Accepted Answer

The most effective prevention is the shingles vaccine, which is recommended for adults over 50 even if they have already had shingles or chickenpox. The Shingrix vaccine is more than 90% effective at preventing shingles and postherpetic neuralgia. Maintaining a strong immune system through healthy lifestyle habits also helps reduce your risk: eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals, exercise regularly, manage stress effectively, get adequate sleep, and avoid smoking. If you have never had chickenpox, getting the chickenpox vaccine can prevent both chickenpox and the later possibility of shingles.

Question 11

What natural remedies help with shingles?

Accepted Answer

Natural remedies can help manage shingles symptoms alongside medical treatment, though they should not replace antiviral medication. Cool, wet compresses applied to the rash can soothe pain and itching, while oatmeal baths provide relief for widespread discomfort. Lysine supplements may help inhibit viral replication, and topical applications of calamine lotion or aloe vera gel can calm irritated skin. Foods rich in vitamins A, B12, C, and E support immune function and healing, including citrus fruits, leafy greens, nuts, and lean proteins. Stress reduction techniques like meditation, gentle yoga, and adequate rest support your immune system's ability to fight the virus.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 15

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?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

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.

Shingles Blood Test

What is Shingles (Herpes Zoster)?

What causes shingles?

What is the best test for shingles?

When should I get tested for shingles?

References

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