Epstein Barr Virus Test- Why am I having this test?
Epstein Barr Virus Test is used to detect the Epstein Barr virus (EBV) if your health care provider suspects that you are infected.
If you are infected with EBV (infectious mononucleosis), you may have symptoms such as fatigue, fever, sore throat, enlarged lymph glands, or enlarged spleen.
Once the infection occurs, it can become dormant and may affect you later. Once infected, you will be a lifelong carrier of the virus.
What kind of sample is taken?
A blood sample is required for this test. It is usually taken by inserting a needle into a vein.
Blood will be sampled at the onset of illness and again usually 14–21 days later.
HOW DO I PREPARE FOR THE TEST?
There is no preparation required for this test.
WHAT ARE THE REFERENCE VALUES?
Reference values are considered healthy values established after testing a large group of healthy people. Reference values may vary among different people, labs, and hospitals. It is your responsibility to obtain your test results. Ask the lab or department performing the test when and how you will get your results.
WHAT DO THE RESULTS MEAN?
Reference values for EBV antibodies are as follows:
- Titers less than or equal to 1:10 are nondiagnostic.
- Titers of 1:10 to 1:60 indicate infection at some undetermined time.
- Titers of 1:320 or greater suggest active infection.
- An increase of four times the titer in paired sera drawn 10 to 14 days apart usually indicates an acute infection.
In addition to diagnosing infection, titer levels greater than the reference ranges can also indicate:
- Chronic fatigue syndrome.
- Certain types of cancer.
Talk with your health care provider to discuss your results, treatment options, and if necessary, the need for more tests. Talk with your health care provider if you have any questions about your results.
