Chickenpox screening
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Chickenpox screening On the Web |
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Aravind Reddy Kothagadi M.B.B.S[2]
Overview
Children are vaccinated against chicken pox and most adults generally may have been infected with VZV in their early years. Hence, general population screening is not recommended. But testing for VZV or for the antibodies produced in response to VZV infection may be performed when required.
Screening
- Screening is not routinely used to diagnose active cases of chickenpox.
- Children are vaccinated and most adults generally may have been infected with VZV in their early years. Hence, general population screening is not recommended. But, testing for VZV or for the antibodies produced in response to VZV infection may be performed when required.
- Screening tests are recommended for people without symptoms and are at higher risk of acquiring chicken pox.
- Blood tests are done to measure the levels of antibodies in the blood which indicates whether the individual has developed an immunity to chickenpox from previous infection or a missed immunization.
- Testing for VZV or for the antibodies produced in response to VZV infection may be performed in when required for screening purposes. Also, screening may be advised for newborns, pregnant women, prior to organ transplantation, and in those with HIV/AIDS.
Antenatal screening
- Routine antenatal varicella screening of all pregnant women with negative or indeterminate varicella histories is not cost-effective. It could be cost-effective in groups of women with increased exposure risk, or if part of a policy of screening and vaccination of all adults. [1]
Screening in Healthcare Workers
- Study shows that 26% to 55% of Healthcare workers with no history of chickenpox and who tested negative for antibody against varicella required vaccination. Hence, in healthcare facilities, varicella screening and vaccination should be offered to all Healthcare workers. [2]
References
- ↑ Glantz JC, Mushlin AI (1998). "Cost-effectiveness of routine antenatal varicella screening". Obstet Gynecol. 91 (4): 519–28. PMID 9540934.
- ↑ Chong CY, Lim SH, Ng WY, Tee N, Lin RV (2004). "Varicella screening and vaccination for healthcare workers at KK Women's and Children's Hospital". Ann. Acad. Med. Singap. 33 (2): 243–7. PMID 15098642.