Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Antibody, Serum Immunoassay (Screen)
This test checks for antibodies to the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a common virus that can cause respiratory infections in infants, children, and adults.
["It helps determine if your immune system has ever been exposed to RSV."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 5877-6
- Short code
- RSV Ag Spec Ql IF
- Synonyms
- RSV Ag Spec Ql IF
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- if
- 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 specific antibodies produced by your immune system in response to RSV infection. These antibodies are part of your body’s defense mechanism and can indicate past exposure to the virus, even if you did not experience symptoms at the time.
Why Might You Need This Test?
Doctors may order this test if you have symptoms of a respiratory infection (like coughing, wheezing, or difficulty breathing) and suspect RSV, especially if you’re in a high-risk group (e.g., infants, elderly adults, or those with weakened immune systems). It can also be used to monitor long-term immunity in certain populations.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You’ll provide a blood sample, usually drawn from your arm. The test is quick and typically done in a lab setting.
What Are the Possible Results?
A positive result suggests your body has antibodies to RSV, meaning you’ve likely been exposed to the virus at some point. A negative result means no detectable antibodies were found in this sample, but this doesn’t rule out past exposure entirely.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
A positive RSV antibody test confirms past infection, which can be important for diagnosing conditions like pneumonia or bronchiolitis in infants or children. For adults, it may help clarify if symptoms were due to RSV or another cause. However, antibody levels can vary over time, so results should be interpreted by your healthcare provider in the context of your medical history and symptoms.
Short name
RSV Antibody Screen
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get results?
What does a positive result mean for my health?
Can I get RSV even if my antibody test is negative?
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