Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) Antibodies to Viral Capsid Antigen (VCA) Blood Test, IgM

An EBV Antibodies to VCA Blood Test, IgM aids in the diagnosis of acute EBV infection. (infectious mononucleosis)

Description

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) antibodies blood tests are used to help diagnose EBV infection, the most common cause of infectious mononucleosis (mono), if a person is symptomatic but has a negative mono test.  These tests may be ordered for an asymptomatic person to see if that person has been previously exposed to EBV or is susceptible to a primary EBV infection.

Symtoms include:

Extreme weakness or fatigue
Fever
Headache
Sore throat
Swollen lymph glands in the neck and/or armpits
Enlarged spleen and/or liver (sometimes)

This test may be ordered for an asymptomatic person to see if that person has been previously exposed to EBV or is susceptible to a primary EBV infection.

IgM antibodies are typically detectable within 2-3 weeks of infection but may be detectable earlier in some people.  These antibodies will typically disappear 4-6 weeks after infection.