Coxsackievirus B2 Neutralizing Antibody Blood Test
This blood test measures antibodies against Coxsackievirus B2, a virus that can affect the heart. It helps your doctor find out whether a recent viral infection may be causing heart-related symptoms such as chest pain or irregular heartbeat.
{"The test detects immune response to Coxsackievirus B2 infection","It helps diagnose viral infections that may affect the heart muscle","Results are reported as antibody titers (concentration levels)","A positive result indicates past or current infection","The test uses a neutralization assay method to detect protective antibodies"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 24183-6
- Short code
- CVB2 NT
- Synonyms
- CV B2 NAb sp1 Titr Ser Nt
- Category
- cardiac
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST, gold top) or red top plain tube
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 8
- Ref high
- 16
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 0 years
- Method
- Virus Neutralization Test (VNT) - Cell culture-based assay detecting neutralizing antibodies against Coxsackievirus B2
- CPT
- 86622
- SNOMED
- 371949004
- Specimen volume
- 1.0-2.0 mL of serum minimum; 3.0 mL preferred for optimal testing
- 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
- 50
- Lipemia max
- 300
- Icterus max
- 20
- TAT
- 72–168 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The Coxsackievirus B2 neutralizing antibody test is a blood test that detects whether your body has produced antibodies against Coxsackievirus B2, a specific type of enterovirus. This virus is part of a group of viruses that can cause various infections, including those affecting the heart.
How is the test performed?
A healthcare provider will draw a small blood sample from a vein in your arm. The sample is then sent to a laboratory where technicians will look for neutralizing antibodies against Coxsackievirus B2. Neutralizing antibodies are proteins your immune system produces to fight off the virus.
Why might I need this test?
This test is often ordered when patients have symptoms suggesting a heart infection, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, or irregular heartbeat. It helps doctors determine if a viral infection, specifically Coxsackievirus B2, may be the cause of heart-related symptoms.
Reference range
Negative: <1:8; Equivocal: 1:8; Positive: ≥1:16. Four-fold rise in titer between acute and convalescent specimens (≥2 dilutions) indicates recent or active infection.N/A
No special preparation required. Fasting is not necessary for this test. Inform the laboratory of any recent viral infections, vaccinations, or immunosuppressive therapy.
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?
What do the results mean?
Is a single test result enough?
Does a positive result mean I have heart disease?
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 15, 2026. · Read our editorial policy