Tbevigmmsmtser
This blood test detects IgM antibodies against the tick-borne encephalitis virus to help diagnose a recent infection.
{"Detects IgM antibodies indicating recent or current TBEV infection","Performed on a blood serum sample","Positive results suggest the patient may have tick-borne encephalitis"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 109942-3
- Short code
- TBEV IgM
- Synonyms
- TBEV IgM Msmt Ser
- Category
- cardiac
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST) or plain red top tube
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0.8
- Ref high
- 1.2
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 0 years
- Method
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)
- CPT
- 86635
- SNOMED
- 371949004
- Specimen volume
- 1.0 mL minimum, 2.0 mL preferred
- Stability
- Room temperature: 24 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days; Frozen (-20°C or below): 30 days
- Hemolysis max
- 50
- Lipemia max
- 300
- Icterus max
- 40
- TAT
- 24–168 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The European tick-borne encephalitis virus IgM antibody test is a blood test that looks for IgM antibodies against the tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) in your serum. IgM antibodies are the first type of antibodies your immune system produces when fighting a new infection. Their presence typically indicates a recent or current infection.
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 technicians will analyze it for the presence of TBEV-specific IgM antibodies. The test requires a serum sample, which is the clear liquid portion of blood after it has been allowed to clot.
Why might I need this test?
Your doctor may order this test if you live in or have recently traveled to an area where tick-borne encephalitis is common (parts of Europe and Asia), and you are experiencing symptoms such as fever, headache, fatigue, muscle aches, or neurological symptoms. The test helps distinguish between a recent TBEV infection and a past exposure.
Reference range
Negative: < 0.8 AU/mL; Equivocal: 0.8-1.2 AU/mL; Positive: > 1.2 AU/mLN/A
No special preparation required. Routine venipuncture protocol.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Frequently asked questions
Is tick-borne encephalitis the same as Lyme disease?
How long does it take to get results?
Do I need to fast before this test?
Is there a vaccine for tick-borne encephalitis?
Sources
- 1
- 2
- 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 14, 2026. · Read our editorial policy