Epstein-Barr Virus Antibody Panel

The 4 tests in this panel

What each one measures and the range labs usually print for adults. Ranges differ a little between labs, so the range on your own report is the one your result is judged against.

• EBV viral capsid antigen (VCA) IgG

  An antibody to Epstein-Barr virus that appears in a first infection and then stays for life, so it shows whether you have ever been infected.

• EBV viral capsid antigen (VCA) IgM

  An early antibody to Epstein-Barr virus that is often present during a first infection and fades within weeks to a few months.

• EBV nuclear antigen (EBNA) IgG

  An antibody that appears months after Epstein-Barr virus infection and stays for life, so a positive result usually points to an infection in the past.

• Mononucleosis Screen (Heterophile Antibody)

  A quick blood test for heterophile antibodies, which most often appear during infectious mononucleosis (mono), usually caused by the Epstein-Barr virus.

Labs can include one more test in this panel that we haven’t written up yet.