Fluorescent Immunoassay for Anti-Viral Antibodies (e.g., Influenza Virus)
This test measures antibodies your immune system produces in response to the influenza virus. It helps determine if you’ve been exposed to the virus or if your body is actively fighting it.
["Checks for past or current exposure to flu viruses through antibody detection."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 110822-4
- Short code
- FLUAV IgM Msmt Ser
- Synonyms
- FLUAV IgM Msmt Ser
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 82784
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What This Test Measures
The test detects specific antibodies (immunoglobulins) that your immune system creates when it encounters the influenza virus. These antibodies can appear shortly after infection or vaccination, helping identify exposure over time.
Why It’s Done
Doctors may order this test to diagnose recent or past flu infection, assess immune response after vaccination, or evaluate exposure in high-risk groups (e.g., healthcare workers, elderly individuals). It’s not used for diagnosing active flu symptoms but can support broader health assessments.
Sample Collection and Preparation
A blood sample is drawn from a vein, typically in your arm. The serum (liquid part of blood after clotting) is then tested using a fluorescent immunoassay method to detect antibody presence.
How Results Are Interpreted
Results are qualitative (positive/negative) and indicate whether antibodies were detected. A positive result suggests exposure to the influenza virus, but it doesn’t confirm the exact timing or severity of infection.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Positive results may indicate past infection, vaccination success, or ongoing immune response. They’re useful for public health tracking, vaccine efficacy studies, or guiding preventive measures in high-risk populations. Negative results confirm no detectable antibodies, which could mean no prior exposure or insufficient immune response.
Short name
Influenza Antibody Test (FIA)
Frequently asked questions
What does a positive result mean?
Can this test tell me if I have the flu right now?
How long after exposure can I get accurate results?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 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