BWFH

SUNQUEST LAB

LAB4760

EBVBG

SERUM

SST:  Red/gray top tube, gel, 7 ml

Preffered tube: SST- Clot activator and gel for serum separation. Silicone coated interior.
Acceptable tube: red top - Clot activator and silicone coated interior.

PERFORMED:  Monday through Saturday; 9 a.m.
2 - 4 DAYS

A third-order test in the diagnosis of infectious mononucleosis, especially in situations when initial testing results (heterophile antibody test) are negative and follow-up testing (viral capsid antigen: VCA IgG, VCA IgM, and Epstein-Barr nuclear antigen) yields inconclusive results aiding in the diagnosis of type 2 or type 3 nasopharyngeal carcinoma
.

Generally, this antibody can only be detected during active Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection, such as in patients with infectious mononucleosis. Clinical studies have indicated that patients who have chronic active or reactivated EBV infection commonly have elevated levels of IgG-class antibodies to the EA of EBV.

IgG antibody specific for the diffuse early antigen of EBV is often found in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Of patients with type 2 or 3 NPC (World Health Organization classification), 94% and 83% respectively, have positive-antibody responses to EA. Only 35% of patients with type 1 NPC have a positive response. The specificity of the test is such that 82% to 91% of healthy blood donor controls and patients who do not have NPC have negative responses (9%-18% false-positives). Although this level of specificity is useful for diagnostic purposes, the false-positive rate indicates that the test is not useful for NPC screening.

Cautions:

This test detects the diffuse components of early antigen only.

Additional information from reference laboratory

Negative
Reference values apply to all ages.

SENDOUTS

MAYO MEDICAL LABORATORY

Multiplex Flow Immunoassay

Gross hemolysis
Gross lipemia 
Heat-activated specimen

Yes

Refrigerated (preferred) 14 days
Frozen 14 days

Refrigerated

EAEBV

86663

2/11/2025 18:57:12