How to Read EBV Blood Test Results
The Epstein-Barr Virus, or "EBV" blood test, determines whether or not a person has mononucleosis. The marker this test looks for is the amount of anti-bodies, or the heterophile aggluntination antigens present. False positives may occur in patients with hepatitis, lymphoma, rubella or lupus.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Locate the section with blood readings starting with "EBV." There will be four.
-
2
Read the EBV Ab VCA IgM marker. If it is positive (greater than one), this is the first suggestion of a current viral infection.
-
-
3
Read the EBV VCA IgG marker, which will have a positive (greater than 120) result within a week of the infection. If it is negative, this means you are susceptible to the virus. Positive results will show for the remainder of life as having had the virus.
-
4
Read the EBV NA IgG marker, which will become positive (greater than 120) within two to four months of getting the virus and be present for life.
-
5
Read the EBV EA-D IgG marker, that will be positive (greater than 120) within a week of getting the virus and disappear after two weeks in 80% of people.
-
6
Review the markers to determine if you have mono and how long you have been creating antibodies to fight it.
-
7
Obtain follow-up blood work to determine if levels are getting higher or lower, meaning are you getting worse or better.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
"VCA" refers to viral capsid antigen. "EA-D" refers to early antigen. "EB NA" refers to nuclear antigen.
