Epstein-Barr Virus Antibodies

Other names: EBNA-IgG Ab; EBV Antibodies; EBV VCA-IgG Ab; EA-D IgG Ab; EBV VCA-IgM Ab; Epstein-Barr Virus Antibody to Viral Capsid Antigen, IgM; Epstein-Barr Virus Antibody to Viral Capsid Antigen, IgG; Epstein-Barr Virus Antibody to Nuclear Antigen, IgG; Epstein-Barr Virus Antibody to Early D Antigen, IgG; Heterophile Antibodies

The Epstein-Barr virus is a member of the herpes virus family; it is very common and up to 95 percent of people may have been affected by the EB virus by the time they reach their forties. EBV is most commonly associated with glandular fever. The Epstein-Barr virus stays in a person’s body for the rest of their lives once they have been infected; this does not mean that they will exhibit symptoms or have an active infection, as in most cases the virus lies dormant. The virus doesn’t become reactivated unless the individual’s immune system becomes compromised.

There are several different types of EBV antibodies, which are produced and released by the body to combat EBV antigens; these antibodies include IgM and IgG antibodies, which respond to the VCA (viral capsid antigen) and the EA-D (early D antigen).

When is the test used?

The EBV test is used to diagnose or rule out glandular fever in a patient who has symptoms of glandular fever but produces a negative Monospot test (this test is used to test for glandular fever). The EBV test tests for (VCA)-IgM, VCA-IgG and EA-D to see if there is an active infection and VCA-IgG and EBNA to see if there has been a previous infection.

The test is usually ordered when a patient has symptoms of glandular fever but does not test positive on the Monospot test; the test may also be used to distinguish between EBV infections and different types of infection in pregnant women who have symptoms associated with flu; these include swollen glands, tiredness, high temperature, sore throat and aching muscles and joints.

The test may occasionally be done in a person who has a compromised immune system if they have come into contact with somebody with an EBV infection.

How is the test performed?

The test is done by collecting and analysing a sample of blood; the blood is taken from a vein in the arm (usually on the inside of the elbow) using a needle and the sample is collected in a syringe. Once the sample is complete, it will be bottled, labelled and sent away to the laboratory for evaluation.

What do the test results mean?

If the test is positive for VCA-IgM antibodies, it is highly likely that the patient has an active or very recent infection.

If the test is positive for VCA-IgG and EA-D IgG antibodies, it is very likely that the patient has an active infection or a very recent infection.

If the test is negative for VCA-IgM but positive for EBNA, this indicates that the patient has had an infection in the past but is currently not suffering from an infection.

If the test is negative for VCA-IgG and the patient does not have any symptoms, this usually indicates that the patient has not been exposed to EBV in the past and is therefore vulnerable to the infection.

Specific Blood Tests

Blood Test Guide

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