Cva6abtitrser
This blood test measures antibodies against Coxsackievirus A6, a virus that commonly causes hand, foot, and mouth disease.
{"Detects IgM (recent infection) and IgG (past infection) antibodies in blood","Helps diagnose Coxsackievirus A6 infection, especially in severe or unusual cases","Sample is collected from a blood draw (serum)","Results are reported as titers indicating antibody levels","No fasting required before the test"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 42603-1
- Short code
- CV-A6 Ab Titer
- Synonyms
- CV A6 Ab Titr Ser
- Category
- cardiac
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum Separator Tube (SST/gel tube) or plain red top tube
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 8
- Ref high
- 64
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 0–120 years
- Method
- Enzyme Immunoassay (EIA/ELISA) or Indirect Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA)
- CPT
- 86658 (Enterovirus antibody); Specific CPT may vary based on methodology
- SNOMED
- 371949004 (Coxsackie virus antibody measurement)
- Specimen volume
- 1.0-2.0 mL of serum minimum; 3-5 mL preferred for adequate testing
- Stability
- Room temperature: 8-24 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 5-7 days; Frozen (-20°C or below): 2-4 weeks. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Hemolysis max
- 50
- Lipemia max
- 300
- Icterus max
- 20
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The Coxsackievirus A6 Antibody Titer test is a blood test that detects and measures specific antibodies (IgM and IgG) your immune system produces in response to Coxsackievirus A6 infection. This virus is a type of enterovirus that commonly causes hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD), particularly in children. The 'titer' refers to the concentration or level of antibodies in your blood, which helps determine if you have a current or past infection.
Why is this test performed?
This test is primarily ordered to confirm a Coxsackievirus A6 infection, especially when symptoms are severe, atypical, or when other causes have been ruled out. While many cases of hand, foot, and mouth disease are diagnosed clinically (based on symptoms alone), this test can help differentiate between Coxsackievirus A6 and other enteroviruses that cause similar symptoms. It may also be used in outbreak investigations or when a patient has complications such as encephalitis, myocarditis, or severe skin manifestations.
How is the test done?
A healthcare professional will draw a small blood sample from a vein in your arm. The blood is collected in a tube and sent to a laboratory for analysis. The lab will test your serum (the clear liquid part of blood after it clots) for the presence and level of Coxsackievirus A6-specific antibodies. IgM antibodies typically appear early in infection (within 1-2 weeks), while IgG antibodies develop later and indicate past exposure or immunity.
How to prepare for the test?
No special preparation is needed for this test. You do not need to fast before the blood draw. However, it's important to inform your healthcare provider about any recent illnesses, medications, or immune conditions that might affect the test results.
Reference range
Negative: <1:8; Borderline/Equivocal: 1:8-1:32; Positive: ≥1:64. Specific interpretive criteria may vary by laboratory methodology and reagent manufacturer.N/A
No special preparation required. Routine venipuncture performed. Patient does not need to fast before sample collection.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Frequently asked questions
Is this test painful?
How long does it take to get results?
What do the titer results mean?
Do I need treatment if the test is positive?
Can I get Coxsackievirus A6 more than once?
Sources
- 1
- 2
- 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 10, 2026. · Read our editorial policy