Zika Virus Test
Reviewed
Also called: Zika Antibody Test, Zika RT-PCR Test, Zika PCR Test, Zika NAAT, Zika NAT
A Zika virus test looks for signs of the Zika infection in your blood or urine.
Specimen: Blood or urine
Why this test may be ordered
- To check for a Zika virus infection in pregnant women who have recently traveled to an area with Zika risk
- To check for Zika in pregnant women who have had sex with a partner who traveled to a Zika-risk area
- To evaluate symptoms such as fever, rash, joint pain, muscle pain, headache, or red eyes
- To assess possible exposure in non-pregnant individuals with symptoms
Preparation and collection
You don't need any special preparations for a Zika virus test.
A Zika virus test is usually a blood test or a urine test. A health care professional will take a blood sample from a vein in your arm, using a small needle. After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood will be collected into a test tube or vial. You may feel a little sting when the needle goes in or out. This usually takes less than five minutes. If you are getting a Zika urine test, a health care professional may give you a cleansing wipe, a small container, and instructions for how to use the "clean catch" method to collect your urine sample.
There is very little risk to having a blood test. There are no known risks to a urine test. Amniocentesis may cause some cramping or pain in your belly. There is a small chance the procedure will cause a miscarriage. Talk to your provider about the benefits and risks of this test.
Understanding results
Zika virus outbreaks tend to come and go. The recommendations for Zika testing are likely to change as outbreaks develop and disappear.
- Positive: A positive Zika test result means you probably have a Zika infection. Limitation: While Zika exposure doesn't always cause birth defects or health problems, many children born with Zika have long-lasting special needs. Next step: If you are diagnosed with Zika and are pregnant, you can start to prepare for your baby's possible health problems before they are born.
- Negative: A negative result can mean that you aren't infected or that you were tested too soon for the virus to show up in testing. Limitation: Your body needs time to make antibodies. Next step: If you think you were exposed to the virus, talk to your provider about when or if you need to be retested.
- A negative result can mean you are not infected or that you were tested too soon for the virus to show up.
- Antibody tests need to be done starting within a week after symptoms begin to be accurate.
- Zika virus outbreaks come and go, and testing recommendations may change.
- False-positive results can occur due to cross-reactivity with other flaviviruses like dengue or West Nile.
- Amniocentesis carries a small risk of miscarriage.
What to do next
If you are diagnosed with Zika and are not pregnant, but would like to become pregnant in the future, talk to your provider. They can tell you how long you should wait before trying to have a baby and if you need to be retested.
- Have you recently traveled to an area where there is a risk of Zika infection?
- Have you had sex with a partner who traveled to a Zika-risk area?
- Do you have symptoms such as fever, rash, joint pain, muscle pain, headache, or red eyes?
- Are you pregnant or planning to become pregnant?
- Have you used insect repellent or taken other steps to prevent mosquito bites?
Evidence source
Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus). Practices and reference ranges may differ in your country.