Coxsackievirus B IgG Antibody Test
This blood test measures IgG antibodies against Coxsackievirus B, a common virus that can cause inflammation of the heart muscle as well as other infections.
{"Measures IgG antibodies indicating past infection or immunity","Helps diagnose heart conditions caused by viral infections","Sample is collected from a blood draw","Results are reported as positive, negative, or equivocal","Often used with IgM test to confirm recent or past infection"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 110068-4
- Short code
- COXBVIGG
- Synonyms
- CV B IgG Msmt Ser
- Category
- cardiac
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST/gel tube) or plain red top tube
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 16
- Ref high
- 32
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 0–120 years
- Method
- Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA)
- CPT
- 86622
- SNOMED
- 371949004
- Specimen volume
- 1.0-2.0 mL of serum minimum
- Stability
- Room temperature: 8-24 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 5-7 days; Frozen (-20°C or below): several weeks to months. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The Coxsackievirus B IgG Antibody test is a blood test that measures IgG (immunoglobulin G) antibodies in your blood. IgG antibodies are produced by your immune system after you have been infected with Coxsackievirus B. These antibodies usually remain in your body for a long time, providing immunity against future infections.
What is Coxsackievirus B?
Coxsackievirus B is a type of enterovirus that commonly causes infections. It can lead to various illnesses including hand, foot, and mouth disease, pleurodynia (sharp chest pain), and most importantly, viral myocarditis—inflammation of the heart muscle. This virus is a common cause of heart infections, especially in young adults.
Why is this test ordered?
Your doctor may order this test if you have symptoms of a heart condition such as chest pain, shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, or fatigue, especially if a viral infection is suspected. It may also be ordered along with the Coxsackievirus B IgM antibody test to determine if an infection is recent (IgM) or past (IgG).
How is the test performed?
A healthcare professional will draw a small sample of blood from a vein in your arm. The blood sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis. You may experience slight discomfort or bruising at the puncture site, but serious complications are rare.
How to prepare for the test?
No special preparation is typically required for this test. You can eat and drink normally before the blood draw. However, always follow any specific instructions given by your healthcare provider.
Reference range
Negative: <1:16 titer; Equivocal: 1:16-1:32 titer; Positive: ≥1:32 titer. Results may vary by laboratory methodology.N/A
No special preparation required. Fasting is not necessary. Inform the laboratory of any recent infections, immunizations, or immunosuppressive therapy.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
A positive IgG result indicates that you have been infected with Coxsackievirus B at some point in the past and now have immunity to the virus. A negative result means no previous infection has been detected, though this does not rule out all cases. When IgG is positive along with IgM, it may indicate a recent or ongoing infection. This test is particularly important in diagnosing the cause of myocarditis, pericarditis, and other heart conditions that may have a viral origin.
Frequently asked questions
Does a positive result mean I have heart disease?
Can I get Coxsackievirus B more than once?
How long does it take for IgG antibodies to appear?
Is this test different from the IgM test?
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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy