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Test Code LAB863 (EBV PN) Epstein-Barr Viral Antibody Panel, Serum

Infectious

Performing Laboratory

Barnes-Jewish Hospital Lab

Test Classification and CPT Coding

86665 Epstein-Barr virus, viral capsid IgG

86665 Epstein-Barr virus, viral capsid IgM

86664 Epstein-Barr virus, nuclear antigen IgG

Methodology

Multiplex Flourescent Immunoassay

Testing for Epstein-Barr Viral Capsid IgG, Epstein-Barr Viral Capsid IgM and Epstein-Barr Nuclear Antigen IgG

Literature Reference:

1. EBV IgG and EBV IgM package insert. Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. 6/2019

2. Stevens CD.Clinical immunology and serology:a laboratory perspective.2nd ed. Davis, 2003:330-2

3. Henry JB. Clinical diagnosis and management by laboratory methods, 20th ed. Saunders, 2001:593-5, 56-7

4. Straus SE, Cohen JI, Tosato G, Meier J. Epstein-Barr virus infections: biology, pathogenesis and management (NIH Conference), Ann Intern Med 1993; 118:45-58

Specimen Requirements

Specimen Type: Serum only

Container/Tube: Plain red top, Red/grey SST or Gold SST

Specimen Volume: Full tube, minimum 1mL of serum

Specimen Transport Temperature

Ambient

Interpretive Data

EBV IgG 

Results

Interpretation

Negative 

No detectable antibody to VCA IgG antibody.

Equivocal

Uncertain immune status, suggest sending additional specimen.

Positive

Indicates the presence antibody, 90% of the adult population will have been infected with EBV sometime in the past.

EBV IgM 

Negative

No detectable IgM antibody to EBV-VCA.  A negative result indicates no current infection with EBV. If clinical suspician of acute EBV infection is present, testing should be repeated after one week.

Equivocal

If the sample is equivocal, recommend repeating the test with a second sample within one week.

Positive

A positive test result indicates a current or reactivated infection with EBV.

EBV NA

Negative

No detectable IgG antibody to EBV Nuclear Antigen. 

Equivocal

Presence or absence of detectable IgG antibody to EBV Nuclear antigen cannot be determined and the test should be repeated.

Positive

Indicates the presence of detectable IgG antibody to EBV Nuclear Antigen. 

 

Day(s) Test Set Up

Monday - Sunday 0700 - 1300

Turnaround Time:

STAT: not available

Routine: result available to day of testing

EBV PANEL Interpretation Algorithm

 

EBV VCA IgG  

EBV VCA IgM

EBV NA

Interpretation

Neg

Neg

Neg

No Previous Exposure

Pos

Pos

Neg

Recent Infection

Pos

Neg

Pos

Past Infection

Pos                        

Pos

Pos

Past Infection

Pos

Neg

Neg

Results indicate infection with EBV at some time (VCA IgG positive). However, the time of the infection cannot be predicted (ie recent or past) since antibodies to EBNA usually develop after primary infection (recent) or, alternatively, approximately 5% to 10% of patients with EBV never develop antibodies to EBNA (past).

All other result combinations including Equivocal.

Refer to Interp Data for individual antibody results.

 

LOINC Code Information

Epstein Barr Virus, VCA IgG

5157-3

Epstein Barr Virus, VCA IgM

5159-9

Epstein Barr Virus, NA IgG

30083-0

 

Additional Information

Laboratory Processing Instructions:

Test performed in BJH Core Laboratory. Specimen will be processed on the automated line for delivery to the AOB rack with a minimum of 1 mL of serum.  Completed specimens will be stored 7 days refrigerated.

Reference Values

EBV IgG - Negative

EBV IgM - Negative

EBV NA - Negative