EBV, Epstein-Barr Virus Evaluation Test

The EBV test, also known as an Epstein-Barr test, Epstein-Barr Virus test and EBV lab test, measures EBV antibody blood levels. This test is a blood draw test, fasting is not necessary. The Epstein-Barr Evaluation assesses several antibodies to the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). It is performed to confirm active, past, or indeterminate infection for EBV-associated infectious mononucleosis.

The Epstein-Barr virus, or EBV, causes an illness known as infectious mononucleosis (mono). Also called human herpesvirus 4 (HHV-4), EBV is spread through contamination from the droplets of someone with an EBV infection and through sexual activity. Symptoms of an EBV infection include feeling tired, swollen / painful glands and lymph nodes and a fever.

According to the CDC, approximately 90% of adults who get an EBV blood test will have positive antibodies that demonstrate a past or current infection and, as such, positive lab results should be correlated with clinical symptoms.

This particular EBV lab test panel measures antibody blood levels for EBV Viral Capsid Ag IgG (VCA Ab IgG), EBV Viral Capsid Ag IgM (VCA IgM Ab), and EBV Nuclear Ag IgG (EBNA IgG). The VCA IgG antibodies are typically present at the start of an EBV infection and persist for the rest of one's life. The VCA IgM antibodies are also typically present at the onset of a new EBV infection and then are undetectable within three months of the start of the infection. The EBV EBNA IgG antibodies usually show up three months after the start of an infection and are present for life. As a result, each antibody component of this EBV test panel provides helpful information as far as evaluating both the presence and stage of an Epstein-Barr virus infection in a particular individual.

The EBV antibody levels are reported as a numerical result and can be compared against the reference ranges provided by the lab for easier interpretation.