Epstein-Barr Virus Nuclear Antigen (EBNA) Antibody Blood Test, IgG
An EBNA Antibody Blood Test, IgG is useful in diagnosing past Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) exposure.
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.
Symptoms include:
Extreme weakness or fatigue
Fever
Headache
Sore throat
Swollen lymph glands in the neck and/or armpits
Enlarged spleen and/or liver (sometimes)
The EBNA antibody does not usually appear until after the acute infection has resolved. EBNA can be seen approximately 2-4 months after the beginning of symptoms and will continue throughout someone's life.