A 36-year-old member asked:
Do they test babies for chickenpox with titers?
2 doctor answers • 3 doctors weighed in
Dr. Martin Raffanswered
Infectious Disease 58 years experience
No: Chicken pox is a very easy diagnosis to make clinically, by seeing and examining the baby and the rash. Titers take 7-10 days or more to become positive and by then the baby is recovering.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. James Fergusonanswered
Pediatrics 48 years experience
I never have: For the seasoned physician, chickenpox has typical enough blisters in most cases that confirmation by blood test is unnecessary & impractical. If there is concern that grandma's diagnosis a month ago was wrong, its less expensive to vaccinate the child than do titers. In young adults & women considering pregnancy who want to be sure they are protected titers have great value.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Martin Raff commented
Infectious Disease 58 years experience
Excellent advice from Dr. Ferguson. Agree entirely
Apr 4, 2012
Last updated Apr 4, 2012
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