Laboratory Test Directory

IgG antibodies to VCA are normally present in acute and convalescent Infectious Mononucleosis. A rise is indicative of an acute stage of infection. The presence of antibodies in otherwise healthy individuals usually indicates immunological exposure either as silent primary infection or past exposure. Antibody levels tend to rise and peak after 3-4 weeks, then decline and usually persist for life.

Test Mnemonic:

EBVG

Methodology:

Multiplex Bead Immunoassay

Performed:

Clinical Microbiology

Turnaround Time:

Daily, Monday through Friday

Specimen Requirements:

Collect: SST (gold top) tube

Specimen Preparation: Within 2 hours of collection, centrifuge

Storage/Transport: Room temperature. Refrigerate if delay in transport

Stability: 7 days refrigerated; indefinitely frozen

Causes for Rejection: Gross hemolysis, lipemia, bacterial contamination, improper collection of sample. Specimen container unlabeled or labeled incorrectly. No date and time of collection on requisition form.

Clinical Information:

Infection by EBV results in the production of antibodies to four different and distinct antigenic complexes: EBV induced Nuclear Antigen (NA), Early Antigen (EA), Viral Capsid Antigen (VCA), and Membrane Antigen. Because of the complex relationship that exists between the EBV/host reaction and clinical manifestation, tracking of EBV antibody patterns may assist in diagnosis of EBV infection. Antibody response profiles for the different EBV antigens demonstrate a characteristic pattern for silent primary or persistent latent EBV infection.

Reference Range:

Negative

Note:

EBV-NA, EBV-EA and EBV VCA can be tested simultaneously with the multiplex assay. If results are equivocal, a second sample should be collected and tested.

Previously positive patients do not require repeat testing.

If the patient has no detectable antibody, it is recommended to wait at least two weeks before testing again.

CPT 4 Code:

86665

Review

2/13/2013 by T. Friloux

When ordering tests for which Medicare or Medicaid reimbursement will be sought, physicians should only order tests that are medically necessary for the diagnosis or treatment of the patient. Components of the organ or disease panels may be ordered individually. The diagnostic information must substantiate all tests ordered and must be in the form of an ICD-9 code or its verbal equivalent.

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