The Coxsackievirus B IgG Antibody test detects IgG antibodies in your blood that your immune system produces in response to a Coxsackievirus B infection, one of the most common viral causes of myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart muscle. Because a single result cannot show when the infection occurred, two blood samples are collected a few weeks apart and the antibody levels are compared. A significant rise, typically fourfold or more, points to a recent or ongoing infection that may explain symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, or an irregular heartbeat.
This blood test measures IgG antibodies against Coxsackievirus B, a common virus that can cause inflammation of the heart muscle, known as myocarditis. A second blood specimen, usually collected a few weeks after the first, is compared with the initial sample to detect whether you have a recent Coxsackievirus B infection.
{"Measures IgG antibodies indicating past or recent Coxsackievirus B infection","Two blood samples taken 2-4 weeks apart help confirm recent infection","Often used when heart-related symptoms suggest viral myocarditis","A 4-fold increase in antibody levels between samples confirms recent infection","Results help doctors diagnose the cause of heart inflammation"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 40764-3
- Short code
- COXBVIGG2
- Synonyms
- CV B IgG sp2 Titr Ser
- Category
- cardiac
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST/gel tube) or red top plain tube
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 0–120 years
- Method
- Enzyme Immunoassay (EIA/ELISA)
- CPT
- 86622
- SNOMED
- 122441000119109
- Specimen volume
- 1.0-2.0 mL of serum minimum
- Stability
- Serum is stable at 2-8°C for up to 7 days; for longer storage, freeze at -20°C or below. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Hemolysis max
- 50
- Lipemia max
- 300
- Icterus max
- 20
- TAT
- 48–168 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The Coxsackievirus B IgG Antibody test detects IgG antibodies in your blood that your immune system produces in response to Coxsackievirus B infection. This test uses a second blood sample (collected 2-4 weeks after the first) to compare antibody levels. If the antibody level (titer) increases significantly (typically 4-fold or more) between the two samples, it indicates a recent or ongoing infection.
Why is it ordered?
This test is primarily ordered when your doctor suspects viral myocarditis—inflammation of the heart muscle. Coxsackievirus B is one of the most common viral causes of myocarditis. Symptoms may include chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, irregular heartbeat, or flu-like symptoms. The test helps determine if a recent Coxsackievirus B infection is the cause of your heart symptoms.
How is the test performed?
A healthcare professional will draw blood from a vein in your arm. You will typically provide two blood samples—once during the acute phase of illness and again 2-4 weeks later during recovery. Both samples are sent to a laboratory to measure IgG antibody levels against Coxsackievirus B. The results are compared to see if there is a significant rise in antibody levels.
Reference range
A four-fold rise in IgG titer between acute and convalescent specimens (2nd specimen) indicates recent or acute infection. Individual titer values vary by laboratory method; positive results typically reported as >=1:160 or as a ratio with cutoff for past infection.N/A
No fasting required. No special preparation needed. Inform the laboratory of any recent infections or immunizations.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
The Coxsackievirus B IgG test is clinically significant for diagnosing viral myocarditis. A 4-fold or greater increase in IgG antibody titer between the acute and convalescent samples provides strong evidence of recent Coxsackievirus B infection. This information helps guide treatment decisions, as viral myocarditis typically requires supportive care rather than antibiotics. The test also helps distinguish between past exposure (which would show stable, lower-level antibodies) and active or recent infection (which shows rising antibody levels).
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to fast before this test?
How long does it take to get results?
What do the results mean?
Is Coxsackievirus B the same as hand, foot, and mouth disease?
What happens if my test confirms a recent Coxsackievirus B infection?
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