investigations

Last reviewed 01/2018

The diagnosis is generally clinical, but:

• there is a rising antibody titre
• virus may be identified by molecular techniques (PCR) 
• virus can be isolated from fluid/cells from the base of the vesicular lesion (1)
• giant cells can be isolated from the lesions

Reference:

• (1) Tunbridge AJ et al. Chickenpox in adults - Clinical management. Journal of Infection 2008;57:95e102