Coxsackievirus B IgG Antibody Test
This blood test looks for IgG antibodies to Coxsackievirus B, a common virus that can sometimes involve the heart. Your doctor may order it to find out whether you had this infection in the past or to see whether symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, or an irregular heartbeat could be linked to the virus. IgG antibodies usually stay in the body long after an infection clears, so finding them suggests previous exposure or possible immunity. The test requires only a routine blood draw, no fasting is needed, and your results help guide your doctor's overall evaluation and next steps in your care.
{"Measures IgG antibodies indicating past Coxsackievirus B infection or immunity","Often ordered when patients have heart symptoms like chest pain or inflammation","Results help doctors distinguish between current and past viral infections","Sample is collected through a simple blood draw","Results are reported as a titer (ratio or concentration)"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 58780-8
- Short code
- CVB IgG
- Synonyms
- CV B IgG Titr Ser
- Category
- cardiac
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST/Gel tube) or red-top plain tube
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 8
- Ref high
- 64
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 0–120 years
- Method
- Enzyme Immunoassay (EIA/ELISA)
- CPT
- 86658
- 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): 30 days. 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 is a blood test that detects IgG antibodies specifically against Coxsackievirus B, a type of enterovirus. IgG antibodies typically develop during or after an infection and remain in the body long-term, indicating past exposure or immunity to the virus.
Why is it ordered?
This test is primarily ordered when patients have symptoms suggesting heart inflammation (myocarditis or pericarditis), such as chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, or abnormal heart rhythms. It helps doctors determine if a Coxsackievirus B infection may be related to these cardiac symptoms. The test may also be used to check for past infection in patients with unexplained flu-like symptoms or to assess immunity in certain situations.
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 where technicians look for IgG antibodies specific to Coxsackievirus B. Results are typically reported as a titer, which indicates the concentration of antibodies in your blood.
What do the results mean?
A positive IgG result indicates past exposure to Coxsackievirus B, suggesting your body has developed immunity. A negative result means no past infection has been detected, though it does not completely rule out prior exposure if the infection was very recent. Your doctor will interpret these results alongside your symptoms, physical exam, and other test results to make a diagnosis.
Are there any risks?
The risks are minimal and similar to any routine blood draw, including slight pain, bruising, or bleeding at the puncture site. In rare cases, fainting or infection may occur.
Reference range
Negative: <1:8 titer; Indeterminate: 1:8-1:32 titer; Positive: ≥1:64 titer. A fourfold rise in IgG titer between acute and convalescent samples (2-4 weeks apart) indicates recent or acute infection.N/A
No special preparation required. Standard venipuncture precautions apply. Inform the laboratory of any recent infections, immunizations, 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?
How long does it take to get results?
What is the difference between IgG and IgM tests?
Can this test diagnose my current heart condition?
Is a high titer dangerous?
Sources
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
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