Hantavirus IgM Antibody (Serum/Plasma) by Line Blot Immunoassay
This test detects antibodies to the hantavirus, a virus that can cause severe illness like hantavirus pulmonary syndrome or hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome. It helps diagnose infection after symptoms appear.
["This test checks for signs of recent hantavirus exposure by identifying IgM antibodies, which appear early in infection."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 101214-5
- Short code
- Hantavirus IgM panel SerPl Line blot
- Synonyms
- Hantavirus IgM 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
Why This Test Is Done
Your doctor may order this test if you’ve had symptoms like fever, coughing, shortness of breath, or unexplained bleeding, especially after exposure to rodents or recent travel to areas with known hantavirus risk. It’s often used alongside other tests to confirm infection.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You’ll provide a blood sample drawn from your arm. The lab will process your serum or plasma sample to detect IgM antibodies using a line blot immunoassay method.
What the Test Results Mean
Positive results indicate recent infection with hantavirus, as IgM antibodies develop within days to weeks after exposure. Negative results mean no detectable IgM antibodies were found at the time of testing, but infection could still be possible if symptoms persist.
When You Might Need Follow-Up
If your test is positive, your doctor will likely recommend further testing or monitoring. If symptoms improve, follow-up may include additional blood tests to check for IgG antibodies (which appear later in infection) or to monitor organ function.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Hantavirus infection is serious and can be life-threatening if untreated. Early detection with this IgM test helps guide treatment, which may include supportive care, fluids, and sometimes antiviral medications. Prompt diagnosis is critical for improving outcomes, especially in severe cases like hantavirus pulmonary syndrome.
Short name
Hantavirus IgM Antibody Test
Frequently asked questions
What does a positive result mean?
Can I get this test if I’ve never been exposed to rodents?
How soon after exposure can I get a positive result?
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