EBV Nuclear Antigen Blood Test

Sample Report Test Code: 010272 Specimen Type: Blood

Description:

EBV Nuclear Antigen Blood Test (Labcorp)

The EBV (Epstein Barr) Nuclear Antigen Antibodies, IgG test looks for a type of antibody which the body typically develops in response to Epstein-Barr Virus.  EBNA antibodies usually appear 2-4 months after infection and persist for the life of the person.  This test is usually performed to establish a past infection with EBV.

Epstein-Barr Virus is one of the most common viruses with as many as 95% of the people in the US having been exposed by the age of 40.  In many people the virus causes no symptoms. Those infected during adolescence or young adulthood may develop Infectious Mononucleosis (Mono).  Common symptoms of Mono include fatigue, fever, sore throat, swollen lymph glands, and sometimes an enlarged spleen or liver.  Additional complications affecting the heart or nervous system may occur but are rare.  Symptoms of Mono typically clear up after a couple months but EBV will remain dormant in the body for the rest of a person's life.  Periodic reactivation of the virus may occur but usually does not cause symptoms or illness.  EBV is normally spread through contact with an infected person's saliva.  Some people remain capable of transmitting the virus throughout their lives.

This test is usually ordered when someone is suspected of having had a past exposure to EBV.  This test can help establish a previous infection but cannot determine when the initial infection occurred.  Someone who suspects they may have had a recent exposure to EBV may wish to order the EBV VCA Abs IgM test.

Turnaround for the EBV Nuclear Antigen Abs, IgG is typically 2-3 business days.

Where can I find a EBV Nuclear Antigen test near me?

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