A shingles (zoster) can often based on clinical history (anamnesis diagnose). In combination with the typical half-page, relatively clearly defined rash, a doctor will quickly find out whether there is a shingles. Most are no further investigations are necessary.
But if there is doubt about the diagnosis of shingles, the virus can be a smear or antibodies against the virus detected in the blood. However, wise people who were in their childhood, suffering from chicken pox, antibodies against the virus is always on. Also a possible underlying disease, which weakens the immune system and are therefore favor the occurrence of shingles, excluded.
