Tbeviggmsmtser

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 10, 2026

A blood test that detects IgG antibodies against the tick-borne encephalitis virus to determine if a person has been infected with or is immune to the virus.

Quick summary

{"Detects IgG antibodies indicating past infection or immunity to tick-borne encephalitis","Performed on a blood serum sample","Important for diagnosing TBE in symptomatic patients and checking immunity for travelers","IgG antibodies typically appear 2-4 weeks after infection","No specific treatment exists, but vaccination is available for prevention"}

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 10, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC: 109374-9
Short code: TBEV IgG
Synonyms: TBEV IgG Msmt Ser
Category: cardiac
Sample: serum
Container: Serum separator tube (SST) or plain red top tube
Units: N/A
Ref low: 10
Ref high: 13
Fasting: false
Population: adult
Sex: all
Age range: 0–120 years
Method: Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)
CPT: 86635
SNOMED: 371949004
Specimen volume: 1-2 mL of serum
Stability: Room temperature: 24 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days; Frozen (-20°C or below): 30 days
Hemolysis max: 50
Lipemia max: 100
Icterus max: 20
TAT: 24–72 hours
Order: routine

What is this test?

The European Tick-Borne Encephalitis Virus IgG Antibody test is a blood test that looks for IgG antibodies in your blood serum. These antibodies are produced by your immune system in response to a previous infection with the tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) or after vaccination against the virus.

What is Tick-Borne Encephalitis?

Tick-borne encephalitis is a viral infectious disease transmitted through the bite of infected ticks. It is common in many parts of Europe and Asia, particularly in forested areas. The disease primarily affects the central nervous system and can cause symptoms ranging from mild flu-like illness to severe encephalitis (brain inflammation) that may lead to long-term neurological complications or even death.

Why is this test performed?

This test may be ordered for several reasons: (1) To diagnose tick-borne encephalitis in patients who have symptoms such as fever, headache, confusion, or neurological problems after a tick bite or travel to endemic areas; (2) To check if a person has developed immunity to TBEV from a previous infection or vaccination; (3) For epidemiological studies and surveillance of the disease in certain regions.

How is the test performed?

A healthcare professional will draw a small blood sample from a vein in your arm. This sample will be sent to a laboratory where it will be analyzed to detect the presence and concentration of IgG antibodies against TBEV. You do not need to fast or prepare specially for this test.

Understanding your results

A positive result indicates that IgG antibodies to TBEV have been detected, suggesting either past infection or immunity from vaccination. A negative result means no antibodies were detected, indicating no prior exposure to the virus and no immunity. Your healthcare provider will interpret the results in the context of your symptoms, travel history, and vaccination status.

Reference range

Negative: < 10 AU/mL; Borderline: 10-13 AU/mL; Positive: > 13 AU/mLN/A

Specimen: serum

No special preparation required. Inform laboratory of recent travel to endemic areas, tick exposure, or previous flavivirus vaccinations.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take for IgG antibodies to appear after TBEV infection?

IgG antibodies typically begin to appear about 2-4 weeks after initial infection and may persist for many years, providing long-term immunity.

Do I need to be vaccinated before traveling to TBE-endemic areas?

If you plan to travel to areas where tick-borne encephalitis is common (such as parts of Central and Eastern Europe, Russia, and Northeast Asia), especially if you will be spending time in forested areas, vaccination is strongly recommended. Consult your healthcare provider at least 4-6 weeks before travel.

Can the test distinguish between natural infection and vaccination-induced immunity?

In some cases, specialized testing can help differentiate between immunity from natural infection versus vaccination by looking at specific antibody patterns. Your healthcare provider can discuss this if relevant.

Is tick-borne encephalitis the same as Lyme disease?

No, these are different diseases. Lyme disease is caused by bacteria (Borrelia burgdorferi) and is also transmitted by ticks, while tick-borne encephalitis is caused by a virus. They require different treatments and have different symptoms.

What are the symptoms of tick-borne encephalitis?

Initial symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, and muscle aches. In severe cases, the disease can progress to affect the central nervous system, causing meningitis (inflammation of the brain membranes), encephalitis (brain inflammation), or myelitis (spinal cord inflammation), leading to neurological symptoms such as confusion, seizures, paralysis, or coma.

Sources

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 10, 2026. · Read our editorial policy