Cvb2abtitrser
This test measures the level of Coxsackievirus B2 antibodies in your blood to help diagnose heart-related infections.
{"Detects antibodies against Coxsackievirus B2, a virus that can affect the heart","Used to diagnose viral myocarditis, pericarditis, and other heart infections","Blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm","Positive result indicates current or past infection","Results are reported as a titer (dilution ratio)"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 22228-1
- Short code
- CVB2
- Synonyms
- CV B2 Ab Titr Ser
- Category
- cardiac
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST) or plain red top tube
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 8
- Ref high
- 64
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 0 years
- Method
- Complement Fixation (CF) or Neutralization Assay
- CPT
- 86658
- SNOMED
- 371949004
- Specimen volume
- 1-2 mL of serum
- Stability
- Room temperature: 8 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days; Frozen (-20°C or below): 30 days. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Hemolysis max
- 50
- Lipemia max
- 100
- Icterus max
- 20
- TAT
- 48–168 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The Coxsackievirus B2 antibody test is a blood test that detects whether your immune system has produced specific antibodies against Coxsackievirus B2. This virus is part of the enterovirus family and is known to cause infections that can affect the heart muscle (myocarditis), the lining around the heart (pericarditis), and other tissues.
Why is this test ordered?
Your doctor may order this test if you have symptoms of a heart infection, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, or flu-like symptoms that persist. It helps determine if a viral infection, specifically Coxsackievirus B2, is the cause of your heart problems. The test is particularly useful in diagnosing viral myocarditis, which can be caused by various viruses including Coxsackievirus B.
How is the test performed?
A healthcare professional will draw a blood sample from a vein in your arm. The blood is then sent to a laboratory where it is tested for the presence and level of Coxsackievirus B2-specific antibodies. The result is reported as a titer, which indicates the highest dilution of your blood serum that still shows a positive reaction. A higher titer generally suggests a stronger immune response to the infection.
What do the results mean?
A positive result means that antibodies to Coxsackievirus B2 have been detected in your blood, indicating that you have either a current or past infection with this virus. Your doctor will interpret the results along with your symptoms, physical examination, and other test results (such as ECG or echocardiogram) to make a diagnosis. A negative result suggests no current or recent infection with Coxsackievirus B2, though it does not rule out other viral causes of heart problems.
Are there any risks?
The risks associated with this test are minimal and similar to any routine blood draw. You may experience slight pain, bruising, or dizziness. These symptoms usually resolve quickly. In rare cases, infection or excessive bleeding may occur at the puncture site.
Reference range
<1:8 (negative for recent infection); 1:8-1:32 (equivocal); >=1:64 (positive for recent or past infection). A 4-fold rise in titer between acute and convalescent sera indicates recent infection.N/A
No special preparation required. Fasting is not necessary for this test.
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?
How long does it take to get results?
Can this test distinguish between current and past infection?
Is a positive result serious?
How is viral myocarditis treated?
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