Influenza Virus Antibody (Serum) – Qualitative Detection (Screening)
This test checks for antibodies in your blood that your immune system produces after being exposed to the influenza virus, either through infection or vaccination. It helps determine if your body has developed immunity to flu strains.
Determines if your immune system recognized the flu virus after vaccination or infection.
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 86553-5
- Short code
- STAFFWHORECEIVEDINFLUENZAVACCINATIONATTHEFACILITY
- Synonyms
- —
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- 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 the presence of antibodies specific to influenza viruses. These antibodies are part of your immune response and can appear after vaccination or natural infection. This screening is not used to diagnose an active flu infection but rather to assess past exposure or vaccination status.
Why It’s Done
Healthcare providers may order this test if you’ve recently received an influenza vaccination to confirm immune response or if you’ve had symptoms of flu to check for past exposure. It’s also used in facility settings to monitor vaccination effectiveness among staff.
How It Works
A blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm. The serum (liquid part of blood) is tested for antibodies using an immunoassay method, which detects the presence of these antibodies without providing a quantitative measure of their level.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You may have a slight bruise or discomfort at the injection site, but this usually goes away quickly. If you’re on blood-thinning medication, let your provider know before the test.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance
Short name
Influenza Antibody Screen
Frequently asked questions
This test helps ensure that staff who received influenza vaccinations at the facility developed immunity. Positive results indicate the body recognized the vaccine, reducing the risk of flu transmission. Negative results may prompt further vaccination or monitoring.
The test results are qualitative, meaning they only indicate whether antibodies were detected (positive) or not (negative). No specific numeric range is provided for interpretation.
This test is not used to monitor ongoing flu symptoms or diagnose current illness. It focuses on past exposure or vaccination status.
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