Bfvabserqlia
This blood test checks for antibodies against the Barmah Forest virus, a mosquito-borne infection found in Australia.
{"Detects immune response to Barmah Forest virus infection","Positive result indicates current or past infection","Transmitted by mosquitoes, common in Australia","Symptoms may include fever, rash, joint pain, and fatigue","No specific treatment; management focuses on symptom relief"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 95717-5
- Short code
- BFVAB
- Synonyms
- BFV Ab Ser Ql IA
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST) or red-top vacutainer tube; serum should be separated and transferred to a sterile transport tube.
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 10
- Ref high
- 14
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) or chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA) for detection of Barmah Forest virus-specific IgG and/or IgM antibodies
- CPT
- 86790
- SNOMED
- 122481007
- Specimen volume
- 1-2 mL of serum (minimum 0.5 mL)
- Stability
- Stable for 7 days at 2-8°C; for extended storage, freeze at -20°C or below. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles. Hemolyzed, lipemic, or contaminated specimens may yield unreliable results.
- Hemolysis max
- 2
- Lipemia max
- 2
- Icterus max
- 2
- TAT
- 24–96 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The Barmah Forest virus antibody test is a blood test that detects whether your immune system has produced antibodies against the Barmah Forest virus. This virus is transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes and is primarily found in Australia. The test uses immunoassay technology to identify these specific antibodies in your serum (the liquid part of your blood).
Why do I need this test?
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you are experiencing symptoms suggestive of Barmah Forest virus infection, especially if you have been in areas where the virus is common. Common symptoms include fever, headache, rash, muscle aches, and joint pain that can persist for weeks or months. The test helps confirm whether your symptoms are due to this particular viral infection.
What do the results mean?
A positive result means that antibodies to Barmah Forest virus were detected in your blood, indicating that you have been infected with the virus at some point—either currently or in the past. A negative result means no antibodies were detected, which could mean you have not been infected or that the infection is very recent and antibodies have not yet developed. Your doctor will interpret these results in combination with your symptoms and medical history.
How is the test performed?
A healthcare professional will draw a small blood sample from a vein in your arm. This sample is then sent to a laboratory where it is analyzed using immunoassay techniques to detect the presence of Barmah Forest virus antibodies. The procedure is quick and generally causes minimal discomfort.
Reference range
Negative: No detectable Barmah Forest virus antibodies. Positive: Barmah Forest virus antibodies detected. Equivocal: Result is indeterminate; repeat testing in 10-14 days is recommended.N/A
No special patient preparation is required. Fasting is not necessary. Acute and convalescent serum samples (collected 2-4 weeks apart) are recommended for accurate serological diagnosis.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Frequently asked questions
How is Barmah Forest virus transmitted?
What are the symptoms of Barmah Forest virus infection?
Is there a treatment for Barmah Forest virus?
How can I prevent Barmah Forest virus infection?
Can I get Barmah Forest virus more than once?
Sources
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 15, 2026. · Read our editorial policy