Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) Antibodies to Viral Capsid Antigen (VCA), IgG

Overview:

Differential diagnosis of infectious mononucleosis. VCA IgG antibodies appear early in EBV infection and titers peak between 2-4 weeks after the appearance of symptoms. IgG levels decline slightly but persist for life. The presence of VCA IgG antibodies in healthy individuals indicates immunological exposure to EBV either as silent primary infection or past exposure. Because of the complex relationship that exists between the EBV virus/host reaction and clinical manifestation, tracking of EBV antibody patterns may assist in diagnosis of EBV infection. Individual levels of specific antibodies are not necessarily indicative of disease state but can be of diagnostic significance when tracked as an antibody response profile. Antibody response profiles for the different EBV antigens demonstrate a characteristic pattern for silent primary or persistent latent EBV infections, as well as for each of the EBV-associated disease.

The results for this test are not by themselves diagnostic and should be considered in association with other clinical data and patient symptoms.

This test is intended for qualitative determination only. The numeric value of the final result above the cutoff is not indicative of the amount of EBV-VCA antibody.

Set up and reported Monday thru Friday.