Total Viral IgG Antibody to Influenza Virus (Serum/Plasma)
This test measures the presence of antibodies in your blood that your immune system produces in response to past exposure to the influenza virus. These antibodies help your body recognize and fight future infections by the same virus.
["Past exposure to the flu may be detected through antibody testing, even if you never had symptoms."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 109047-1
- Short code
- T viride IgG Msmt Ser
- Synonyms
- T viride IgG Msmt Ser
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 82784
- 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 looks for IgG antibodies, a type of protein your immune system creates after encountering the influenza virus. IgG antibodies are long-lasting and provide immunity. This test is used to determine if you’ve been exposed to the flu virus at some point, even if you didn’t get sick or remember it.
Why Might You Need This Test?
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have a history of flu-like symptoms, if you’ve been exposed to someone with the flu, or if you’re in a group at higher risk for complications from the flu, such as older adults or those with chronic health conditions.
How Is the Test Performed?
A small sample of your blood is drawn from a vein, usually in your arm. The blood is then sent to a lab for testing. The lab analyzes the sample to detect the presence of IgG antibodies specific to the influenza virus.
What Are the Possible Results?
A positive result means your blood contains IgG antibodies to the influenza virus, suggesting past exposure. A negative result indicates no detectable antibodies, meaning you likely haven’t been exposed to the virus in the past or your immune system hasn’t produced these antibodies yet.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
This test can help confirm a history of flu infection, which is important for understanding your immune response. It may also be used to assess immunity in individuals who have received the flu vaccine or those who have recovered from the flu. However, it cannot diagnose an active flu infection, as it only detects past exposure.
Short name
Influenza IgG Antibody
Frequently asked questions
Can this test tell me if I currently have the flu?
What does a positive result mean?
How long after exposure might I test positive?
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