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Influenza Virus Antibody Screening (Serum/Plasma)

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

This test checks for antibodies in your blood that may indicate past exposure to the influenza virus. It helps determine if you had an infection or received a vaccine.

Quick summary

["This test helps assess your immune response to flu exposure or vaccination."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
86557-6
Short code
STAFFWITHUNKNOWNINFLUENZAVACCINATIONSTATUS
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 antibodies produced by your immune system in response to the influenza virus. These antibodies can appear after infection or vaccination, signaling your body’s immune reaction to the virus.

Why It Might Be Ordered

Your healthcare provider may order this test to evaluate your immune response if you have symptoms of flu, received a flu vaccine, or are part of a study or research involving influenza vaccination status.

What to Expect Before the Test

No special preparation is needed. A blood sample will be taken from a vein in your arm. You may feel slight discomfort, but it usually lasts only a few minutes.

What to Expect During the Test

The blood sample is collected in a tube and sent to a lab for analysis. Results are typically available within a few days, depending on lab processes.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

Positive antibody results suggest past exposure to the influenza virus, either through infection or vaccination. Negative results mean no detectable antibodies were found at this time, indicating no recent exposure or vaccination. This information can guide decisions about further testing, vaccination, or monitoring for flu symptoms.

Short name

Influenza Antibody Test

Frequently asked questions

Why did my healthcare provider order this test?
Your provider may have ordered this test to assess your immune response to the flu virus, especially if you’ve had symptoms, received a vaccine, or are part of a research study tracking vaccination effectiveness.
What does a positive result mean?
A positive result indicates your body has produced antibodies against the influenza virus, which could mean you had an infection or were vaccinated. However, it does not confirm the type of flu strain you encountered.
How long will it take to get my results?
Results are usually available within 3 to 7 business days, depending on your lab’s processing time. Your healthcare provider will contact you with the results once they are ready.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

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.

Medical Disclaimer

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