If you've recently travelled to a Zika-infected region and are experiencing flu-like symptoms, our test checks for antibodies to determine if you have a current or past infection, offering peace of mind especially if you're planning to start a family soon.
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What's in the test?
Immunity
Zika virus IgM
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If the body is infected with bacteria, viruses or any other harmful microorganisms, the immune system produces antibodies to fight the infection. IgM antibodies are primary antibodies released into the blood early in the immune response. Zika virus-specific IgM antibodies are generally present in the blood around 4 days after infection and may continue to circulate in the blood for up to 12 weeks post exposure.
Zika virus IgG
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If the body is infected with bacteria, viruses or any other harmful microorganisms, the immune system produces antibodies to fight the infection. IgG antibodies are produced in a delayed response to an infection and can be retained in the body for a long time. Testing for zika virus specific IgG antibodies can help to confirm a zika virus infection.
How to prepare for your test
Prepare for your Zika Virus Antibodies Blood Test (Flavivirus) Test by following these instructions. If you have returned from an area where Zika virus is active within the past two weeks then we recommend retesting again at the two week mark. Please include details of any recent foreign travel on your form.
Test limitations
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FAQs
What is the Zika virus?
The Zika virus is a mosquito-borne virus that has been linked to birth defects in babies. A higher incidence of babies born with microcephaly (an abnormally small head) has been seen in areas where the virus is widespread. Only one in five infections with the Zika virus cause symptoms, and symptoms can be mild. If you do experience symptoms of the Zika virus, they include flu-like symptoms such as headache, muscle and joint aches, red eyes, and fever.
When could I try for a baby?
The recommended period to wait before starting to try for a baby:
- - Women who travelled to a Zika endemic area without their partner should wait eight weeks after their return (or recovery from Zika infection) before trying for a baby
- - Men should wait three months after their return (or recovery from Zika infection) before trying for a baby. This is because the virus can survive for three months in the male reproductive system
What is a Zika Virus Antibodies Blood Test?
Our venous blood test (where blood is taken from a vein in your arm) measures two antibodies to the Zika virus to tell whether you have a current or previous infection. Please be aware this test carries a small risk of a false-negative result. The test manufacturer estimates this to affect three out of every 100 negative results. This small risk of a false negative result means that even if your test result is negative, we will advise you to wait for the recommended period before starting to try for a baby.