Chikungunya Virus IgG Antibody, Serum
This test checks for antibodies in your blood that your immune system makes in response to the chikungunya virus, which can cause fever, joint pain, and rash. It helps determine if you’ve been exposed to the virus in the past.
["This test helps diagnose past chikungunya infection and assess immune response."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 110661-6
- Short code
- CHIKVIGG
- Synonyms
- CHIKV IgG Msmt SerPl
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST) or red-top tube; plasma may be collected in heparin, EDTA, or citrate tubes
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0.9
- Ref high
- 1.1
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 0 years
- Method
- Enzyme Immunoassay (EIA) or Chemiluminescent Immunoassay (CLIA) for detection of Chikungunya virus-specific IgG antibodies
- CPT
- 86790
- SNOMED
- 409587002
- Specimen volume
- 1-2 mL of serum or plasma (minimum 0.5 mL)
- Stability
- Serum/plasma stable for 7 days at 2-8°C; for extended storage, freeze at -20°C or below for up to 30 days. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Hemolysis max
- 200
- Lipemia max
- 100
- Icterus max
- 40
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Is Done
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you’ve had symptoms of chikungunya—such as severe joint pain, fever, or rash—especially after traveling to areas where the virus is common. It can also be used in research or outbreak investigations to track virus spread.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. A healthcare professional will draw blood from a vein in your arm. You may feel slight discomfort, but it usually lasts only a few seconds. If you’re on blood thinners or have a history of bleeding issues, let your provider know.
What the Test Results Mean
Positive results indicate you’ve likely been exposed to the chikungunya virus at some point and your body produced antibodies. Negative results mean no detectable antibodies were found, suggesting either no prior exposure or the antibodies have cleared from your system.
Possible Side Effects or Risks
The most common side effect is mild bruising, redness, or swelling at the injection site. Rarely, you might experience a slight headache or dizziness. Serious reactions are extremely uncommon.
Reference range
Negative: <0.9 index (or units as reported); Equivocal: 0.9-1.1 index; Positive: >1.1 index. Reference ranges vary by assay manufacturer; refer to laboratory-specific report.N/A
No special patient preparation required. Specimen collection should ideally occur at least 7-10 days post-onset of symptoms for optimal IgG antibody detection.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
This test is primarily used for research or epidemiological studies rather than routine diagnosis. While IgG antibodies suggest past infection, they don’t confirm active illness. For active chikungunya, other tests (like viral RNA detection) may be needed. Antibody levels can decline over time, so results may not be reliable for years after exposure.
Short name
IgG Antibody to Chikungunya Virus
Frequently asked questions
Will this test show if I have chikungunya now?
How long do I need to wait for results?
Can I get this test if I’m pregnant?
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 15, 2026. · Read our editorial policy