Coxsackievirus B3 Antibody Test, 1st Specimen
This blood test checks for antibodies to Coxsackievirus B3, a viral infection that can inflame the heart muscle and affect how well the heart works.
{"Detects immune response to Coxsackievirus B3 infection","Helps diagnose viral myocarditis (heart muscle inflammation)","This is the first of potentially multiple blood samples taken over time","Results show whether your body has been exposed to this virus"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 24259-4
- Short code
- CVB3 Ab
- Synonyms
- CV B3 Ab sp1 Titr Ser
- Category
- cardiac
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST, gold top) or red top plain tube
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 8
- Ref high
- 32
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 0 years
- Method
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) or indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) for detection of Coxsackievirus B3-specific IgM and IgG antibodies
- CPT
- 86622
- SNOMED
- 371949004
- Specimen volume
- 1.0-2.0 mL of serum minimum
- Stability
- Room temperature: 8 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 72 hours; Frozen (-20°C or below): 2-4 weeks. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Hemolysis max
- 50
- Lipemia max
- 40
- Icterus max
- 20
- TAT
- 48–168 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The Coxsackievirus B3 antibody test is a blood test that detects antibodies—proteins your immune system produces to fight infections—specifically targeting Coxsackievirus B3. This virus belongs to the enterovirus family and is one of the most common causes of viral myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart muscle that can cause chest pain, fatigue, and irregular heartbeats.
Why is it ordered?
This test is primarily ordered when a patient shows symptoms of myocarditis or has a recent history of viral illness accompanied by heart-related symptoms. It helps healthcare providers determine if a Coxsackievirus B3 infection may be the cause of heart inflammation. The "1st specimen" designation means this is the initial blood draw; follow-up tests may be taken to compare antibody levels over time (called convalescent sampling).
How is the test performed?
A healthcare professional will draw a small blood sample from a vein in your arm. The blood is sent to a laboratory where technicians look for specific antibodies (IgM and IgG) that your body produces in response to Coxsackievirus B3 infection. IgM antibodies typically appear early in infection, while IgG antibodies develop later and may provide long-term immunity.
What do the results mean?
A positive result indicates that antibodies against Coxsackievirus B3 were detected in your blood, suggesting a recent or past infection with this virus. In the context of heart symptoms, this finding supports the diagnosis of viral myocarditis caused by Coxsackievirus B3. Your healthcare provider will interpret these results along with your symptoms, physical exam, and other test results (such as ECG or echocardiogram) to make a complete diagnosis.
Reference range
Negative: <1:8; Indeterminate: 1:8-1:16; Positive: ≥1:32. A fourfold or greater rise in titer between acute and convalescent specimens (collected 2-4 weeks apart) indicates recent or active infection.N/A
No fasting required. No special preparation needed. Inform the laboratory of any recent viral illness, vaccination, or immunosuppressive therapy.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
This test is clinically significant for diagnosing viral myocarditis, particularly when caused by Coxsackievirus B3. Myocarditis can range from mild to severe and may lead to complications such as heart failure or arrhythmias. Early detection of the viral cause helps guide appropriate management and monitoring. The test is especially important in the cardiac category as it directly relates to heart inflammation of viral origin.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to fast before this test?
Will I need more than one blood draw?
Is Coxsackievirus B3 the same as COVID-19?
How long does it take to get results?
What are the symptoms of myocarditis?
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