Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is the aetiological agent of infectious mononucleosis.
First line investigations = Monospot (by Blood Sciences) and differential FBC looking for atypical lymphocytes
2nd line tests:
We perform a combination of antibody tests against Epstein Barr Nuclear Antigen (EBNA) and Viral Capsid antigens (VCA). We provide an interpretation – this is easier to do if you include clinical details and onset dates.
Blood sample (serum)
Gold top clotted (5ml)
For electronic requesting using EPIC (RDUH ONLY):
Search for: ‘EBV (Epstein-Barr Virus) Serology‘ or test code ‘LAB793‘
Processed locally in Microbiology at RDUH
48-72 hours
Please contact the laboratory for enquiries regarding urgent tests
VCA IgM appears at time of clinical presentation and lasts 4-8 weeks
VCA IgG appears at time of clinical presentation and is lifelong
EBNA IgG appears after 4-8 weeks and is lifelong
If all tests are negative, but clinically the patient has Infectious Mononucleosis (Glandular Fever) request HIV, CMV IgM, CMV IgG and Toxoplasmosis.
EBV Antibodies – Lab Tests Online
Glandular fever (infectious mononucleosis) | Health topics A to Z | CKS | NICE
Infectious mononucleosis – Symptoms, diagnosis and treatment | BMJ Best Practice
SMI – V 26 – Epstein-Barr virus serology (rcpath.org)
Specimen Labelling Procedure
9018
