Zika antibody blood test in Chiswick

What the test measures

Zika virus is spread mainly by the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes in parts of the Americas, Africa, Asia and the Pacific. It can also be passed on through sex. Most people have mild symptoms or none at all, but infection during pregnancy can affect the developing baby, which is why testing is often considered for pregnant travellers and their partners.

This test looks for two types of antibody. IgM antibodies usually appear early and fade over the following months, while IgG antibodies develop later and last longer. Because Zika is closely related to dengue and other flaviviruses, antibody tests can sometimes react to those infections or vaccines, so a positive result may need confirming at a specialist laboratory. The price includes the blood sample taken at our Chiswick clinic, analysis at the Randox accredited laboratory, a review of your result with an Omnia practitioner and a GP feedback report on request.

Who it is for

• You have returned from a country with a current or past risk of Zika and are pregnant.
• You are planning a pregnancy after you or your partner travelled to a Zika risk area.
• You had a rash, fever, joint pain or red eyes during or after travel and want to understand what it may have been.
• Your partner has travelled to a Zika risk area.
• Your GP or midwife has suggested Zika antibody testing.

Understanding your result

Your report shows whether Zika IgM and IgG antibodies were detected, with the laboratory reference ranges. A positive IgM result may suggest a recent infection, while a positive IgG result alone suggests an infection at some point in the past. A negative result is more reliable once enough time has passed since travel for antibodies to develop, so your practitioner will ask about your travel dates.

Cross-reaction with dengue or yellow fever vaccination is possible, so a positive result is not a diagnosis on its own and may need further testing through your GP or specialist services. If you are pregnant and have travelled to a Zika area, your midwife should also be informed.

Preparing for your test

No fasting is needed. Please bring your travel dates, the countries you visited and details of any yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis or dengue vaccines, as these help interpret the result.

Because Zika can be passed on through sex, you may also want to look at our confidential sexual health tests. If you are planning a pregnancy, our fertility blood tests may help. You may also want to look at every blood test and price in Chiswick.

Questions

How much is a Zika antibody test in Chiswick?

The Zika antibody (IgG and IgM) test costs £189. This includes your sample at our W4 clinic, analysis at an accredited laboratory, a practitioner review of your result and a GP feedback report if you would like one.

How long after travel should I test?

Testing too soon after exposure can give a negative result even if infection occurred. Tell us your travel dates and we will advise on timing when you book.

Can a past dengue infection affect my result?

Yes. Zika and dengue are closely related, so antibodies from dengue or some vaccines can react in the test. A positive result may need confirmation with more specific testing.

I feel unwell after travel. Should I book this test?

If you have a high fever after travel to a tropical area, contact NHS 111 or your GP promptly, as other infections such as malaria need urgent assessment. This test is not a substitute for that care.