Hantavirus IgG Antibody (Serum/Plasma) – Qualitative Line Blot Assay
This test detects antibodies to the hantavirus, a group of viruses that can cause severe respiratory illness in humans. It helps determine if your immune system has previously encountered the virus.
["This test checks for past exposure to hantavirus, not active infection."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 101209-5
- Short code
- Hantavirus IgG panel SerPl Line blot
- Synonyms
- Hantavirus IgG panel SerPl Line blot
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- line-blot
- 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 uses a line blot immunoassay to identify specific antibodies (IgG) against hantavirus proteins in your blood. These antibodies are produced by your immune system in response to past infection, but not during an active illness. The presence of these antibodies suggests exposure to the virus at some point, though symptoms may not have occurred.
Why It Might Be Ordered
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you’ve had recent exposure to rodents (common carriers of hantavirus), have symptoms of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (such as fever, cough, or difficulty breathing) after exposure, or if you’re part of a research study investigating hantavirus risk.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You’ll provide a blood sample (either serum or plasma) via venipuncture. If you’re concerned about needle phobia, let your lab technician know so they can take steps to make it more comfortable.
What to Expect After the Test
Results are typically qualitative (positive or negative) and may take several days to weeks to receive. If positive, further testing may be needed to confirm exposure timing or rule out other conditions.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
A positive IgG result indicates past exposure to hantavirus, meaning your body has mounted an immune response. However, this does not guarantee you were sick or that you’re currently infected. If you’ve had symptoms after exposure, active testing (such as PCR or IgM assays) may be needed to diagnose current illness. A negative result means no detectable antibodies were found, suggesting either no prior exposure or insufficient time for antibody development.
Short name
Hantavirus IgG Antibody (Line Blot)
Frequently asked questions
Will this test show if I currently have hantavirus?
How soon after exposure can I expect results?
Can I get this test at home?
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