Chikungunya Virus Antibody, Qualitative (Serum/Plasma)
This test checks for antibodies that your immune system makes in response to the chikungunya virus, a mosquito-borne illness. Antibodies appear after infection or vaccination.
["Helps diagnose past chikungunya exposure or confirm vaccination response."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 26623-9
- Short code
- CHIKVAB
- Synonyms
- CHIKV Ab Ser Ql
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST) or red-top vacutainer tube; transfer serum to sterile cryovial for transport
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 2
- Ref high
- 3
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 0 years
- Method
- Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) or Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA) for detection of IgM and IgG antibodies against Chikungunya virus
- CPT
- 86790 (Antibody; Chikungunya virus)
- SNOMED
- 417080001 | Chikungunya virus antibody measurement (procedure)
- Specimen volume
- 1-2 mL of serum (minimum 0.5 mL)
- Stability
- Stable for 7 days at 2-8°C; for longer storage, freeze at -20°C or below for up to 6 months. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
What This Test Measures
This test detects specific antibodies (immunoglobulins) produced by your body to fight the chikungunya virus. If you have had an infection or received a vaccine, your blood will contain these antibodies. The test is qualitative, meaning it only tells you whether antibodies are present or not, rather than how much.
Why It’s Ordered
Doctors may order this test if you have symptoms of chikungunya (like fever, joint pain, or rash) and recent travel to areas where the virus is common, or if you’re being evaluated for past exposure. It can also be used to check for vaccination response.
How It’s Done
A blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm. The sample is sent to a lab where it’s tested for the presence of chikungunya antibodies using an immunoassay method.
What to Expect Before or After
No special preparation is needed. You may feel slight discomfort from the needle, but it’s usually over quickly. If you’re pregnant, have a bleeding disorder, or take blood-thinning medication, let your doctor know before the test.
Reference range
Negative: No detectable anti-Chikungunya virus antibodies. Positive: Antibodies detected, indicating current or past infection. IgM positive suggests recent infection (typically within 2-3 months); IgG positive suggests past exposure or convalescent phase.N/A
No special patient preparation is required. However, acute and convalescent serum samples (collected 2-4 weeks apart) are recommended for definitive serological diagnosis. Document recent travel history to endemic regions and symptom onset date.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Chikv Antibody Screen
Frequently asked questions
Will this test show if I have chikv now?
How long do antibodies stay in my blood?
Can I get this test if I’ve never traveled to a chikv-risk area?
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