Coxsackievirus B2 Antibody Test
This blood test checks for antibodies your body makes to fight Coxsackievirus B2, a common virus that can sometimes inflame the heart. Doctors often use it to help determine whether a viral infection is behind symptoms such as chest pain, fatigue, or an irregular heartbeat.
{"The test detects your body's immune response to Coxsackievirus B2","It helps doctors diagnose viral heart infections like myocarditis","A positive result suggests a recent or past infection","The test requires a simple blood draw","Results are typically available within a few days"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 24255-2
- Short code
- CVB2
- Synonyms
- CV B2 Ab sp1 Titr Ser
- Category
- cardiac
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST/gel tube) or red top tube
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 8
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 0–120 years
- Method
- Enzyme Immunoassay (EIA) or Indirect Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA)
- CPT
- 86622
- SNOMED
- 371949004
- Specimen volume
- 1.0-2.0 mL of serum minimum
- Stability
- Room temperature: 24-48 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): up to 7 days; Frozen (-20°C or below): 30 days
- Hemolysis max
- 50
- Lipemia max
- 300
- Icterus max
- 20
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The Coxsackievirus B2 Antibody Test is a blood test that looks for antibodies your body has made to fight Coxsackievirus B2. This virus is part of a group of viruses called enteroviruses, which are common and can cause various infections. When your body encounters this virus, your immune system produces specific antibodies (called IgM and IgG) to fight it. This test measures these antibodies in your blood.
Why might I need this test?
Your doctor may order this test if you have symptoms of a heart infection, particularly myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle) or pericarditis (inflammation of the outer lining of the heart). Symptoms may include chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, fever, or irregular heartbeat. The test helps determine if a viral infection, specifically Coxsackievirus B2, might be causing your heart symptoms.
How is the test performed?
A healthcare professional will draw a small amount of blood from a vein in your arm using a needle. This blood sample will be sent to a laboratory for analysis. The test measures the level (titer) of antibodies in your serum. You may need to provide a second sample later to compare antibody levels and see if they are rising or falling, which helps determine if the infection is recent or past.
What do the results mean?
Results are typically reported as a titer (a measure of how much antibody is present). A high or rising titer of IgM antibodies usually indicates a recent infection. A high titer of IgG antibodies may indicate a past infection or that your body has developed immunity. Your doctor will interpret the results along with your symptoms and other test results to make a diagnosis. This test is often used with other cardiac tests, such as echocardiograms or EKGs, to get a complete picture of your heart health.
Reference range
<1:8 (negative); 1:8-1:16 (equivocal); ≥1:32 (positive) - Reference range may vary by laboratoryN/A
No special preparation required. Fasting is not necessary for this test.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
The Coxsackievirus B2 Antibody Test is primarily used in cardiology to help diagnose viral myocarditis and pericarditis. Coxsackievirus B is one of the most common viral causes of heart infections. Identifying a recent or ongoing Coxsackievirus B2 infection can help explain heart symptoms and guide treatment. The test may also be used to monitor outbreaks of Coxsackievirus infections or in research settings. However, it is important to note that not everyone with a positive antibody test will have heart problems, as many Coxsackievirus infections cause only mild respiratory or gastrointestinal symptoms.
Frequently asked questions
Is fasting required before this test?
Are there any risks with this test?
How long does it take to get results?
Can I have a positive result without being sick?
Do I need a second test?
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