Zika Virus Blood Test

The Zika virus blood test is a diagnostic tool designed to detect antibodies against the Zika virus in your bloodstream. This test is particularly vital for individuals who have travelled to regions where the Zika virus is prevalent and are planning to conceive, either naturally or through fertility treatments.

Understanding the Zika Virus

The Zika virus is primarily transmitted through mosquito bites in certain parts of the world. While the infection often results in mild symptoms for most individuals, it poses significant risks during pregnancy, potentially leading to severe congenital disabilities. Therefore, ensuring the absence of the virus before conception is very important.

You should speak with your midwife or preferred healthcare professional right away if you are pregnant and worried about the Zika virus.

Guidelines for Conception Post-Exposure

The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) provides specific recommendations for individuals exposed to the Zika virus:

• Female travellers: Those who have contracted the Zika virus, regardless of symptom presence, should wait at least 2 months before attempting natural conception, donating eggs, or proceeding with fertility treatments.
• Male travellers: Men who have been exposed to the virus should delay natural conception, sperm donation, or fertility treatments for a minimum of 3 months.

These precautions help reduce the risk of transmitting the virus during conception.

Moreover, we recommend informing us if you are being treated by a fertility specialist and have visited or plan to visit a region where the Zika virus is present. Before beginning fertility treatment, we could advise testing for the Zika virus.

Getting Ready For the Test

A mandatory 15-day incubation period is required before the Zika virus blood test. It’s thus important to schedule your appointment at least 15 days after returning from a region where the Zika virus is present.

Our skilled phlebotomy professionals at Sonoclinic will remove the blood sample for testing during your appointment. You will be required to do the following beforehand:

• Take plenty of fluids 24 hours before the appointment to make blood withdrawal smooth and easy.
• Put on loose clothes to enable easy access to hands and arms.
• For those on anticoagulant drugs, you should take them after the blood test. But if this is impossible, you can take them before.
• Talk to your provider about your fear of needles so that they can work to make the process comfortable and fast.