From Dr. Richard Loyd. Human orthopneumovirus, formerly Human respiratory syncytial virus, is a syncytial virus that causes respiratory tract infections. It is a major cause of lower respiratory tract infections and hospital visits during infancy and childhood.Encyclopedia Entry for RSV :RSV antibody test. A blood sample is needed.No special preparation is needed.When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain. Others feel only a prick or stinging. Afterward, there may be some throbbing or slight bruising. This soon goes away.This test is done to identify someone who has been infected by RSV recently or in the past. This test does not detect the virus itself. If the body has produced antibodies against RSV, then either a current or past infection has occurred. In infants, RSV antibodies that have been passed from mother to baby may also be detected.A negative test means the person does not have antibodies to RSV in their blood. This means the person has never had an RSV infection.A positive test means the person has antibodies to RSV in their blood. These antibodies may be present because: A positive test in people older than infants means there is a current or past infection with RSV. Most adults and older children have had an RSV infection. Infants may have a positive test because antibodies were passed from their mother to them before they were born. This may mean they have not had a true RSV infection. Some children younger than 24 months get a shot with antibodies to RSV to protect them. These children will also have a positive test.There is very little risk involved with having your blood taken. Veins and arteries vary in size from one person to another and from one side of the body to the other. Taking blood from some people may be more difficult than from others. Other risks associated with having blood drawn are slight but may include: Excessive bleeding Fainting or feeling lightheaded Hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin) Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken).Respiratory syncytial virus antibody test; RSV serology; Bronchiolitis - RSV test.Blood test Blood test.Crowe JE. Respiratory syncytial virus.