Serum or Plasma Immunoassay for Immunoglobulin M (IgM) Antibody to Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) Nucleocapsid Antigen
This test measures antibodies in your blood that your immune system produces in response to the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a common virus that can cause infections like mononucleosis.
["Helps diagnose or monitor EBV infection by detecting specific antibodies over time."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 101124-6
- Short code
- CRBN-BLAIMINMC
- Synonyms
- blaIMI+blaNMC genes Islt/Spm Ql
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Sterile, leak-proof container or bacterial transport medium; for serum-based molecular testing, use serum separator tube (SST) or sterile cryovial
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 0–120 years
- Method
- molgen
- CPT
- 87798
- SNOMED
- 43491000
- Specimen volume
- 1-2 mL of serum or bacterial isolate in transport medium; minimum 0.5 mL
- Stability
- Serum: Room temperature 24 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C) up to 7 days; Frozen (-20°C or below) up to 30 days. Bacterial isolates: Room temperature in transport medium 24-48 hours; refrigerated up to 7 days.
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
What This Test Measures
The test looks for IgM antibodies against EBV’s nucleocapsid protein, which appear shortly after infection. These antibodies are typically present for a few months to a year before declining as your body clears the virus.
Why It’s Ordered
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have symptoms like fever, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, or pharyngitis (sore throat), especially if you’ve been exposed to someone with EBV or recently had a viral illness.
When Results May Change
IgM levels rise quickly after infection but can drop as your body fights the virus. If you’re being tested for EBV exposure, results may be most reliable within weeks to months post-exposure.
Common Reasons for Testing
This test is often used alongside other EBV-related tests (like IgG or viral load) to confirm acute infection, assess immune response, or guide treatment decisions in conditions like chronic fatigue syndrome or certain cancers linked to EBV.
Reference range
Negative (blaIMI and blaNMC carbapenem resistance genes not detected)N/A
No special patient preparation required. Collect specimen prior to initiation of antimicrobial therapy when possible for optimal recovery of resistance determinants.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
IgM EBV Nucleocapsid Antibody
Frequently asked questions
Why might my test results be normal if I suspect EBV infection?
Can this test detect latent EBV infection?
How long do IgM antibodies last after infection?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy