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Cvb2absp1titrsercf

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

This blood test measures antibodies against Coxsackievirus B2, a virus that can cause heart infections.

Quick summary

{"Detects immune response to Coxsackievirus B2 infection","Helps diagnose viral myocarditis and pericarditis","Requires a blood sample collected from a vein","Results indicate recent or past infection through antibody levels","Often compared with a second sample taken later"}

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
24181-0
Short code
CVB2
Synonyms
CV B2 Ab sp1 Titr Ser CF
Category
cardiac
Sample
serum
Container
Serum separator tube (SST/gold top) or red top plain tube
Units
N/A
Ref low
8
Ref high
1
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
≥ 0 years
Method
comp-fix
CPT
86658
SNOMED
186747009
Specimen volume
1.0 mL serum minimum; 2.0 mL preferred
Stability
Room temperature: 24 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days; Frozen (-20°C or below): 30 days. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
Hemolysis max
500
Lipemia max
1000
Icterus max
500
TAT
72–168 hours
Order
routine

What is this test?

The Coxsackievirus B2 antibody test is a blood test that detects whether your immune system has produced antibodies against Coxsackievirus B2, a specific type of enterovirus. This test uses a method called complement fixation to measure the level (titer) of antibodies in your blood. A 'first specimen' means this is the initial blood sample taken at the time of symptoms; a second sample may be taken later to compare antibody levels.

Why is it ordered?

This test is primarily ordered when you have symptoms of a heart infection, such as chest pain, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, or flu-like symptoms that may suggest myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle) or pericarditis (inflammation of the heart's outer lining). Coxsackievirus B2 is one of the common viral causes of these conditions.

How is the test performed?

A healthcare professional will draw a small blood sample from a vein in your arm. The blood is then sent to a laboratory where it is tested using the complement fixation method to detect and measure Coxsackievirus B2 antibodies. You may need to provide a second blood sample 2-4 weeks later to see if antibody levels have changed, which helps confirm a recent infection.

What do the results mean?

A positive result indicates that you have been infected with Coxsackievirus B2 at some point. A rising antibody level between the first and second test (called seroconversion or a four-fold increase) suggests a recent or active infection. Your healthcare provider will interpret these results along with your symptoms and other test findings to determine the cause of your heart-related symptoms.

Reference range

<1:8 (negative); 1:8-1:32 (equivocal); >1:32 (positive). A four-fold rise in titer between acute and convalescent specimens indicates recent infection.N/A

Specimen: serum

No special preparation required. This is the first specimen in a serial testing protocol. A convalescent specimen should be collected 2-4 weeks after the acute specimen for comparison.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to fast before this test?
No, you do not need to fast before this blood test. You can eat and drink normally unless your healthcare provider gives you other instructions.
Does having antibodies mean I have heart disease?
Not necessarily. Having antibodies means you have been infected with Coxsackievirus B2, but many people infected with this virus only have mild symptoms or no symptoms at all. Your healthcare provider will interpret the test results in combination with your symptoms, physical examination, and other cardiac tests (such as echocardiogram or ECG) to determine if you have heart inflammation.
How long does it take to get results?
Results are typically available within a few days to a week, depending on the laboratory. Your healthcare provider will contact you with the results or discuss them at your follow-up appointment.
What is the difference between the first and second specimen?
The first specimen is collected when you first present with symptoms. The second specimen, usually taken 2-4 weeks later, helps determine if the infection is recent. A significant rise in antibody levels between the two samples indicates a recent infection, while stable levels suggest a past infection.
  1. 1
    Coxsackievirus B - Medical EncyclopediaSource
  2. 2
    Myocarditis - Mayo ClinicSource
  3. 3
    Viral Myocarditis - American Heart AssociationSource

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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy