Anti-Burnet Virus IgM Antibody (Serum)
This test measures the presence of Immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies against the Burnet virus in your blood. IgM antibodies are typically produced early in an infection to help your immune system fight it.
["Detects early infection with the Burnet virus through IgM antibodies in your serum."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 51811-8
- Short code
- COXPH1M
- Synonyms
- C burnet Ph1 IgM Ser IA-aCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST, gold-top) or red-top tube with no additive
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 1
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- Immunoassay (e.g., Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), Chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA), or Indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA))
- CPT
- 86638
- SNOMED
- 121889002
- Specimen volume
- 1 mL serum (minimum 0.5 mL)
- Stability
- Serum stable at room temperature for 8 hours; refrigerated at 2–8°C for 7 days; frozen at -20°C or below for up to 30 days. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
What Does This Test Measure?
The test looks for IgM antibodies, which are part of your immune system’s response to infection. IgM antibodies appear shortly after exposure to the virus and can help identify an active infection early on.
Why Might You Need This Test?
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms like fever, fatigue, or other signs of infection that could be caused by the Burnet virus, especially if you’ve been exposed recently.
What Does a Positive Result Mean?
A positive result suggests you may have an active infection with the Burnet virus, as IgM antibodies indicate recent exposure and an ongoing immune response. This does not necessarily mean you are currently contagious, but it confirms recent infection.
What Does a Negative Result Mean?
A negative result means no detectable IgM antibodies were found, which could mean you either haven’t been exposed to the virus recently or your immune system has cleared the infection.
Reference range
Negative: < 1:16 (or as defined by the assay manufacturer); Equivocal: 1:16–1:32; Positive: ≥ 1:64. Phase I IgM antibodies are typically negative in acute infection and become positive in chronic Q fever. Interpretation should be made in conjunction with Phase II IgM/IgG results.N/A
No fasting or special preparation required. Patients should inform their healthcare provider of any recent antibiotic use (e.g., tetracyclines, fluoroquinolones) as prior antibiotic therapy may affect antibody response and interpretation.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
IgM Antibody to Burnet Virus
Frequently asked questions
How is this test collected and prepared?
What are the possible side effects of blood drawing?
How long does it take to get results?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy