Respiratory Syncytial Virus Antibody, Serum or Plasma – Qualitative (IgG) by Immunoassay
This test checks for the presence of antibodies to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in your blood. Antibodies are your body’s immune response to a virus.
["This test helps determine if your immune system has been exposed to RSV, which can cause infections like the flu in infants and older adults."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 24225-5
- Short code
- RSV Ab sp2 Titr Ser CF
- Synonyms
- RSV Ab sp2 Titr Ser CF
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- comp-fix
- 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 Does This Test Measure?
The test detects IgG antibodies specific to RSV. IgG antibodies are part of your immune system’s long-term defense and appear after your body has been exposed to RSV or vaccinated against it. This test is qualitative, meaning it only tells you whether antibodies are present or not, not the exact amount.
Why Might You Need This Test?
You may need this test if you or a loved one has symptoms of RSV infection (like coughing, fever, or trouble breathing) and you’re at higher risk, such as infants, young children, older adults, or those with weakened immune systems. It can also be used to assess past exposure in certain clinical scenarios.
What Does a Positive Result Mean?
A positive result means your blood contains RSV antibodies, suggesting you or the person tested has likely been exposed to RSV in the past. This does not confirm an active infection but indicates immunity or past exposure.
What Does a Negative Result Mean?
A negative result means no detectable RSV antibodies were found in the sample. This could mean you have not been exposed to RSV recently or your immune system has not yet produced antibodies.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
This test is primarily used for screening or confirming past exposure to RSV rather than diagnosing an active infection. A positive result can guide decisions about vaccination, immune support, or monitoring for future infections, especially in high-risk populations. Always discuss results with your healthcare provider for personalized advice.
Short name
RSV Antibody Screen (IgG)
Frequently asked questions
How Is This Test Performed?
What Are Common Specimen Requirements?
Can This Test Be Done 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