Chickenpox screening
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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
According to Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there is insufficient evidence to recommend routine screening among general population. Children are vaccinated against chickenpox and most adults generally may have been infected with VZV in their early years. Screening is recommended for specific populations which include, healthcare workers, pregnant women, newborns, HIV/AIDS patients and for people prior to organ transplantation.
Screening
- According to Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there is insufficient evidence to recommend routine screening among general population.
- Children are vaccinated and most adults generally may have been infected with VZV in their early years. Hence, screening for general population is not recommended. Testing for VZV or for the antibodies produced in response to VZV infection may be performed when required.
Screening Varicella in specific populations
- Screening tests are recommended for people without symptoms, who are at higher risk of acquiring chickenpox. The specific groups in which screening for chickenpox is recommended include:[1]
- Healthcare workers
- Pregnant women
- Newborns
- HIV/AIDS patients
- Potential organ transplant recepients
- 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 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.[3]
Screening in Healthcare Workers
- A study shows that 26% to 55% of healthcare workers with no history of chickenpox and who test negative for antibody against varicella require vaccination. Hence, in healthcare facilities, varicella screening and vaccination should be offered to all healthcare workers.[4]
References
- ↑ "Chickenpox and Shingles Tests: The Test".
- ↑ "Prevention of Varicella: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP)".
- ↑ 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.