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Coxsackievirus A16 Antibody Test

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 10, 2026

This blood test checks your blood for antibodies against Coxsackievirus A16, a common virus that causes hand, foot, and mouth disease, an infection seen most often in infants and young children.

Quick summary

{"Detects antibodies to Coxsackievirus A16 in blood","Helps diagnose hand, foot, and mouth disease","Usually performed when patients have characteristic symptoms","Results indicate recent or past infection","No special preparation needed before the test"}

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 10, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
22215-8
Short code
COXA16AB
Synonyms
CV A16 Ab Titr Ser
Category
cardiac
Sample
serum
Container
Serum Separator Tube (SST, gold top) or plain red top tube
Units
N/A
Ref low
8
Ref high
16
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
≥ 0 years
Method
Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) or Indirect Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA)
CPT
86658
SNOMED
371949004
Specimen volume
1.0-2.0 mL of serum minimum
Stability
Room temperature: 24-48 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 5-7 days; Frozen (-20°C or below): 30 days. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
Hemolysis max
50
Lipemia max
300
Icterus max
20
TAT
48–168 hours
Order
routine

What is this test?

The Coxsackievirus A16 antibody test is a blood test that detects whether your body has produced antibodies against Coxsackievirus A16, a specific type of enterovirus. This virus is one of the most common causes of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD), which is a contagious viral infection that primarily affects young children.

How is the test performed?

A healthcare professional will draw a small blood sample from a vein in your arm. The sample is then sent to a laboratory where it is analyzed to detect the presence and levels of Coxsackievirus A16-specific antibodies (IgM and IgG). IgM antibodies typically appear early in infection and indicate recent infection, while IgG antibodies develop later and provide long-term immunity.

Why is this test important?

This test helps healthcare providers confirm whether symptoms such as sores in the mouth, rash on hands and feet, and fever are caused by Coxsackievirus A16. While many cases of hand, foot, and mouth disease are diagnosed based on symptoms alone, antibody testing can be useful in atypical or severe cases, or when confirmation is needed for epidemiological purposes.

Reference range

Negative: <1:8 titer; Equivocal: 1:8-1:16 titer; Positive: >1:16 titer. Reference ranges may vary by laboratory methodology.N/A

Specimen: serum

No special preparation required. Fasting is not necessary. Inform the laboratory of recent infections, immunizations, or immunosuppressive therapy.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

The Coxsackievirus A16 antibody test is primarily used to confirm infection with Coxsackievirus A16, which causes hand, foot, and mouth disease. A positive IgM result indicates recent or current infection, while a positive IgG result suggests past infection and immunity. This information helps in diagnosing the cause of symptoms, ruling out other conditions with similar presentations, and understanding the epidemiology of the disease in communities. In rare cases, Coxsackievirus A16 infection can lead to more serious complications such as viral meningitis or encephalitis, and confirming the diagnosis can guide appropriate management.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to fast before this test?
No, you do not need to fast before this test. You can eat and drink normally before having your blood drawn.
Is this test painful?
You may feel a brief pinch or mild discomfort when the needle is inserted to draw your blood, but the pain is usually minimal and short-lived.
How long does it take to get results?
Results are typically available within a few days to a week, depending on the laboratory and the testing method used.
What do positive results mean?
A positive IgM result indicates that you have a recent or current Coxsackievirus A16 infection. A positive IgG result suggests that you have had a past infection and now have immunity to the virus.
Is hand, foot, and mouth disease serious?
Most cases of hand, foot, and mouth disease are mild and resolve on their own within 7-10 days. However, the infection can occasionally cause complications such as dehydration (due to mouth sores), viral meningitis, or encephalitis. Seek medical attention if symptoms worsen or do not improve.
  1. 1
    Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Hand, Foot, and Mouth DiseaseSource
  2. 2
    Mayo Clinic - Hand, Foot, and Mouth DiseaseSource

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.

Medical Disclaimer

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 10, 2026. · Read our editorial policy