Epstein-Barr Virus, Antibody Panel

For Specimen Integrity during Extreme Weather see the “Lockbox Usage in Extreme Weather” document at the top of this page.

EBVPAN

6421;
EBV Comprehensive;
EBV Panel;
EBV Profile;
EBV Titers;
EBV Screen;
Epstein Barr Titers;

Includes: Epstein-Barr Virus VCA IgG Antibody(8474), Epstein-Barr Virus VCS IgM Antibody(8426), Epstein-Barr Virus Nuclear Antigen (EBNA) Antibody(8564)

2 mL serum (minimum 0.5 mL) 

SST or Red top: Avoid hemolysis. Invert a minimum of 5 times, then allow to clot in an upright position for 30 minutes. Centrifuge the the tube for at least 10 minutes. Keep tightly stoppered.

SST (speckled top), Red top , Plastic Vial (transfer) tube

Refrigerated (preferred)

Room Temperature = n/a
Refrigerated = 5 days
Frozen = at least 7 days

Monday, Wednesday, Friday
BS

3 days

The Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) is the causative agent of Infectious Mononucleosis (IM). IM is an acute illness characterized clinically by sore throat, fever and lymphadenopathy. In children, 5-10% of primary EBV infections are asymptomatic. By adulthood, 90-95% of most populations have demonstrable EBV antibodies. EBV-specific serodiagnostic tests are not usually needed in typical cases of IM, since 90% of the cases are heterophile-positive. For heterophile-negative cases and for diagnosis in atypical cases, confirmation of infection by EBV-specific serology is useful. The serodiagnosis of IM is established with a single acute phase serum by the detection of elevated levels of IgM and IgG antibodies to Viral Capsid Antigen (VCA). Antibody conversion or decline in VCA-IgM antibodies (they usually disappear within 3-6 weeks after onset) and the emergence of EBNA antibodies (they arise from 3 weeks to several months after onset) can confirm diagnosis. Previous EBV infections are identified by IgG antibodies  to VCA and to EBNA.