Our venous blood test (where blood is taken from a vein in your arm) measures two antibodies to the Zika virus to tell whether you have a current or previous infection. Please be aware this test carries a small risk of a false-negative result. The test manufacturer estimates this to affect three out of every 100 negative results. This small risk of a false negative result means that even if your test result is negative, we will advise you to wait for the recommended period before starting to try for a baby.

The Zika virus is a mosquito-borne virus that has been linked to birth defects in babies. A higher incidence of babies born with microcephaly (an abnormally small head) has been seen in areas where the virus is widespread. Only one in five infections with the Zika virus cause symptoms, and symptoms can be mild. If you do experience symptoms of the Zika virus, they include flu-like symptoms such as headache, muscle and joint aches, red eyes, and fever.

The recommended period to wait before starting to try for a baby:

• - Women who travelled to a Zika endemic area without their partner should wait eight weeks after their return (or recovery from Zika infection) before trying for a baby
• - Men should wait three months after their return (or recovery from Zika infection) before trying for a baby. This is because the virus can survive for three months in the male reproductive system

Special Instructions