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Coxsackievirus B3 Antibody Test

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 14, 2026

This blood test detects antibodies your body makes against Coxsackievirus B3, a virus that can affect the heart and other organs.

Quick summary

{"This test checks for antibodies to Coxsackievirus B3 in your blood","It helps diagnose heart infections like myocarditis caused by this virus","The test requires a simple blood draw","Positive results may indicate recent or past infection","Results are reported as positive, negative, or equivocal"}

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 14, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
30222-4
Short code
COXB3 Ab
Synonyms
CV B3 Ab Ser Ql
Category
cardiac
Sample
serum
Container
Serum separator tube (SST, gold top) or plain red top tube
Units
N/A
Ref low
0
Ref high
1
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
≥ 0 years
Method
Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) or immunofluorescence assay (IFA)
CPT
86658
SNOMED
122442009
Specimen volume
1.0-2.0 mL serum minimum
Stability
Room temperature: 24 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days; Frozen (-20°C or below): 30 days
Hemolysis max
50
Lipemia max
100
Icterus max
20
TAT
48–96 hours
Order
routine

What is this test?

The Coxsackievirus B3 antibody test is a blood test that checks for specific antibodies (IgM and IgG) that your immune system produces in response to a Coxsackievirus B3 infection. This virus belongs to the enterovirus family and is known to cause infections that can involve the heart, muscles, and nervous system.

Why is it ordered?

Doctors typically order this test when you have symptoms of a heart infection, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, a rapid heartbeat, or fatigue, especially after a recent viral illness. It helps determine whether Coxsackievirus B3 is causing your heart-related symptoms. In the cardiac category, it is commonly used to help evaluate myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle) or pericarditis (inflammation of the lining around the heart).

How is the test performed?

A healthcare professional will draw a small blood sample from a vein in your arm. The sample is then sent to a laboratory and tested for IgM and IgG antibodies against Coxsackievirus B3. IgM antibodies usually appear early in the infection and suggest a recent infection, while IgG antibodies develop later and may point to a past infection or immunity.

What do the results mean?

Results are typically reported as Positive, Negative, or Equivocal. A positive result means antibodies were found, suggesting you currently have or recently had a Coxsackievirus B3 infection. A negative result means no antibodies were detected, indicating no current or past infection, or that the infection is too recent to detect. An equivocal result means the test could not clearly confirm whether antibodies are present, and your doctor may recommend retesting.

Reference range

Negative: < 1:8 titer; Equivocal: 1:8 titer; Positive: >= 1:16 titerN/A

Specimen: serum

No special preparation required. Patient may eat and drink normally before sample collection.

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, fasting is not required for this test. You may eat and drink normally beforehand and continue taking your usual medications unless your doctor gives you different instructions.
How long does it take to get results?
Results are usually available within a few days to a week, depending on the laboratory that processes your sample.
Is the test dangerous?
No. The test only requires a standard blood draw, which carries minimal risks, such as slight bruising, soreness, or minor bleeding at the needle site.
What happens if my test is positive?
If your result is positive, your doctor will explain what it means for your health and may order additional tests, such as an ECG or echocardiogram, to check how well your heart is working. Treatment usually focuses on relieving symptoms and supporting your heart while your body recovers.
Can I get this infection again?
After you recover from a Coxsackievirus B3 infection, your body usually develops immunity to that virus. Keep in mind that there are many strains of enteroviruses, so you could still become infected with a different type in the future.
  1. 1
    Coxsackievirus B3 - WikipediaSource
  2. 2
    Myocarditis - Mayo ClinicSource
  3. 3
    Enterovirus Infections - CDCSource

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 14, 2026. · Read our editorial policy