Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) antibodies blood tests are used to help diagnose EBV infection, the most common cause of infectious mononucleosis (mono) if a person is symptomatic but has a negative mono test. These tests may be ordered for an asymptomatic person to see if that person has been previously exposed to EBV or is susceptible to a primary EBV infection.
Symptoms include:
Extreme weakness or fatigue
Fever
Headache
Sore throat
Swollen lymph glands in the neck and/or armpits
Enlarged spleen and/or liver (sometimes)
The VCA-IgG antibody will appear during an acute infection. The highest level will be at 2-4 weeks. It will then drop, maintain and then be present for life.
LC Sample ReportQD Sample Report
Test Code(s):
8474, 096230
Also Known As:
EBV-VCA Antibodies, IgG
Preparation:
No special preparation required.
Test Results:
2-3 days. May take longer based on weather, holiday or lab delays.
