Epstein barr virus titer interpretation

If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please leave a comment or contact us at support selfhacked. Note that each number in parentheses [1, 2, 3, etc. Read on to discover what an abnormal result means and how to tell if you have a current or past infection. The Epstein-Barr virus EBV , or human herpesvirus 4, is one of eight types of herpes viruses that are known to infect humans.

The virus usually does not cause any symptoms in children. EBV can increase the risk for certain cancers and immune system disorders and has been linked to multiple autoimmune disorders [ 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 ].

The Epstein-Barr virus test is a blood test that determines if your body is producing antibodies and mounting an immune response against EBV [ 2 ]. It is also known as the Epstein-Barr virus antibody profile. If you have the virus, your body will produce different types of antibodies to help combat the infection.

These antibodies circulate in your blood and can be detected with the EBV test [ 2 ]. By revealing which types of antibodies you have, the test can determine if you have a current or a past infection [ 2 ]. However, it can be reactivated by stress or a weakened immune system [ 10 ].

Your doctor will order an Epstein-Barr virus test if they suspect that you have mono. Symptoms to watch for include [ 11 ]:. Symptoms of mono usually last 2 to 3 weeks , though certain symptoms such as fatigue and muscle pain may last longer [ 3 , 12 ]. Because the disease is most common in young adults between the ages of 15 and 24 , your doctor may take your age into account when deciding whether to order the test [ 13 ].

To test for EBV-specific antibodies, you will need to get your blood drawn. Results usually take a few days to come back. Monospot test is a more rapid test that can give you results within minutes. For this test, you may also need to have your blood drawn. However, in most commercially-available tests, you will only need to give a small blood sample from a finger prick [ 14 ]. Within the first week of symptoms, the monospot test may give you a false-negative result.

If the initial result is negative and your doctor still suspects mono, he may ask you to repeat the test a week or so later [ 13 ]. Your immune system produces antibodies against different parts, or antigens, of EBV. The type of antibodies that are detected in your blood helps your doctor determine if you have a current or past infection [ 9 ]. These antibodies typically appear at the same time as infection symptoms [ 2 ].

This means they will always be detectable, even if you are not suffering from a current infection [ 15 ]. This also means that, by themselves, they are unhelpful in determining if you have a current or past infection. As the infection progresses, they start to develop and mature [ 2 ]. Epstein-Barr nuclear antigen EBNA antibodies are directed against proteins that the virus uses to survive and replicate its DNA after it enters into a dormant phase [ 20 , 2 , 21 ].

EBNA antibodies are only detectable weeks after the onset of symptoms , after mono has run its course and the virus is no longer active. In most cases, they stay in circulation for life and are a sign of a past infection [ 2 , 9 ].

Epstein-Barr early antigen antibodies EA are directed against proteins that control how the protein shell capsid of the virus is made [ 22 ]. Like their name suggests, they are found in the first weeks of the infection and are no longer detectable after months in most people [ 2 , 23 ].

In some cases, they may be detectable for years after the initial infection [ 2 ]. EA antibodies are also detected in people who have a reactivated infection or in cases of certain cancers linked to EBV [ 23 ]. The EBV-specific antibody test is the gold standard when it comes to diagnosing mono. However, it usually takes a few days for the results to come back [ 14 ]. Epstein-Barr virus EBV , also known as human herpesvirus 4, is a gamma herpes virus that occurs only in humans.

Laboratory testing can help distinguish whether someone is susceptible to EBV infection or has a recent or past infection. This photomicrograph depicts leukemia cells that contain Epstein-Barr virus using an FA staining technique. EBV antibody tests are not usually needed to diagnose infectious mononucleosis. However, specific antibody tests may be needed to identify the cause of illness in people who do not have a typical case of infectious mononucleosis or have other illnesses that can be caused by EBV infection.

Symptoms of infectious mononucleosis generally resolve within four weeks. If a person is ill for more than six months and does not have a laboratory-confirmed diagnosis of EBV infection, other causes of chronic illness or chronic fatigue syndrome should be considered.

VCA IgM. No previous exposure. Recent infection. Past infection. Specimens collected too early during the course of the disease may not contain detectable antibody to Epstein-Barr virus EBV. Another specimen collected 1 to 2 weeks later may be required. Test results should be evaluated in relation to patient symptoms, clinical history, and other laboratory findings. This assay's performance characteristics with immunosuppressed individuals, newborns, cord blood, or matrices other than human serum have not been established.

Assay performance characteristics have not been established for the diagnosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma, Burkitt lymphoma, and other EBV-associated lymphomas.

Rheumatoid factor RF , in the presence of specific IgG, may contribute to false-positive results. The predictive value of positive or negative results depends on the pretest likelihood of Epstein-Barr-associated disease being present. Testing should only be performed when clinical evidence suggests the diagnosis of this syndrome. Lippincott Williams and Wilkins; Manual of Clinical Microbiology.

ASM Press. Elsevier; After washing, antihuman-IgG antibody conjugated to phycoerythrin PE is added to the beads and incubated. Another wash step removes excess conjugate, and beads are subsequently resuspended in wash buffer. The bead mixture passes through a detector where the identity of each bead is determined by the bead's dye fluorescence. In addition, the amount of antibody captured by the antigen is measured by the fluorescence of the bound PE.

After a wash cycle, antihuman-IgM antibody conjugated to PE is added. Bio-Rad Laboratories; Monday through Saturday. This test has been cleared, approved, or is exempt by the US Food and Drug Administration and is used per manufacturer's instructions. Excel Pdf. Normal Reports Abnormal Reports. Test Catalog Test Catalog. Contact Search. Search Cancel.

Home Test Catalog Overview. Test Catalog.