Coxsackievirus IgA Antibody Blood Test
A blood test that measures IgA antibodies against Coxsackievirus in your bloodstream, often used to help determine whether a recent viral infection may be causing inflammation of the heart muscle or its outer lining.
{"This test detects IgA antibodies to Coxsackievirus in your blood","It helps doctors diagnose viral infections that may affect the heart","The test requires a simple blood sample drawn from a vein","Results help distinguish between viral and non-viral causes of heart symptoms"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 106863-4
- Short code
- COX-IgA
- Synonyms
- CV IgA Ser IA-aCnc
- Category
- cardiac
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST) or plain red top tube
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 10
- Ref high
- 15
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 0–120 years
- Method
- Immunoassay
- CPT
- 86635
- SNOMED
- 122442009
- Specimen volume
- 1.0 mL serum minimum, 2.0 mL preferred
- Stability
- Room temperature: 24 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days; Frozen (-20°C or below): 30 days
- Hemolysis max
- 50
- Lipemia max
- 300
- Icterus max
- 20
- TAT
- 48–72 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The Coxsackievirus IgA Antibody test is a blood test that detects IgA antibodies your immune system produces in response to Coxsackievirus infection. IgA antibodies are one of the first types of antibodies your body makes when fighting a viral infection. This test uses a laboratory method called immunoassay to measure the amount of these specific antibodies in your serum (the clear liquid part of your blood).
Why is it ordered for heart conditions?
Coxsackievirus, particularly the B strain, has been linked to myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle) and pericarditis (inflammation of the heart's outer lining). When you have heart symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, or abnormal heart rhythm, this test helps your doctor determine if a viral infection might be the cause. It is part of the cardiac category because it specifically aids in diagnosing heart-related complications from viral infections.
How is the test performed?
A healthcare professional will draw a small sample of blood from a vein in your arm. The blood is collected into a tube, allowed to clot, and then spun in a centrifuge to separate the serum. This serum is then tested in a laboratory using immunoassay techniques to detect and measure Coxsackievirus IgA antibodies. The process is quick and typically takes only a few minutes to collect the sample.
What do the results mean?
Results are reported as positive or negative for Coxsackievirus IgA antibodies. A positive result indicates that IgA antibodies against Coxsackievirus were detected in your blood, suggesting a recent or current infection with this virus. A negative result means no IgA antibodies were detected, which could indicate no recent infection or that the infection occurred too recently for antibodies to develop. Your doctor will interpret these results along with your symptoms, physical exam, and other test results.
Reference range
Negative: < 1:16 titer or < 10 AU/mL; Equivocal: 1:16 titer or 10-15 AU/mL; Positive: > 1:16 titer or > 15 AU/mLN/A
No fasting required. No special preparation needed. Inform laboratory of recent infections or immunizations.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
This test is clinically significant because it helps diagnose the cause of myocarditis and pericarditis. Coxsackievirus B is one of the most common viral causes of these heart conditions. Identifying a recent Coxsackievirus infection can guide treatment decisions, as viral myocarditis is managed differently from other types of heart inflammation. The IgA antibody specifically indicates a recent infection (within weeks to months), while other antibody tests (like IgG) would indicate past exposure. This information helps cardiologists provide appropriate care and monitor for potential complications.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to fast before this test?
Are there any risks from the blood draw?
How long does it take to get results?
What happens if my test is positive?
Can this test tell me if I had Coxsackievirus in the past?
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