EMQ — Extended Matching Question · Review
Question 751
Obstetric infection → Viral
Classification
Question
EEMQQuestion Header
Select the single most appropriate next investigation.
Question Stem
A 27-year-old woman at 14 weeks has had face-to-face contact with a colleague with chickenpox. She grew up in a tropical country and cannot recall chickenpox, shingles or varicella vaccination. She is well with no rash.
Answer Bank
A
Serum VZV IgG
B
Amniotic-fluid VZV PCR
C
Maternal VZV IgM only
D
Detailed fetal MRI
E
Maternal chest radiograph
F
Fetal blood sampling
G
No investigation because she is asymptomatic
H
Varicella skin-lesion PCR
Correct Answer
A. Serum VZV IgG
Explanation
After significant exposure, women with uncertain or no previous history of chickenpox, including women from tropical or subtropical countries, should have serum tested for VZV immunity.
Option Validity
B) Amniocentesis is not the initial test for maternal susceptibility after exposure.
C) The guideline recommends assessment of immunity with VZV IgG.
D) Fetal MRI is not an initial maternal immunity test.
E) Chest radiography does not establish VZV immunity.
F) Fetal blood sampling is not recommended for this purpose.
G) Significant exposure with uncertain immunity requires assessment.
H) There is no maternal skin lesion to sample.
Further Reading
RCOG Green-top Guideline No. 13. Chickenpox in Pregnancy.