Epstein-Barr Virus Nuclear Antigen Antibody, Serum (IgG)
This test measures your body’s immune response to the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a common virus that can cause infections like mononucleosis. It helps determine if you’ve been exposed to EBV and whether your immune system has produced antibodies against it.
["Assesses past or current EBV exposure through antibody detection in your blood."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 16824-5
- Short code
- EBV NA Ab CSF Ql
- Synonyms
- EBV NA Ab CSF Ql
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- csf
- Container
- Sterile tube
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Specimen volume
- 1-2 mL
- Stability
- Immediate analysis required, Refrigerated: 1h
- Hemolysis max
- 200
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What Does This Test Measure?
The test detects IgG antibodies specific to the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). These antibodies develop after your body has encountered the virus, either through infection or vaccination. IgG antibodies remain in your blood for a long time, even after the acute infection has cleared.
Why Might You Need This Test?
Doctors may order this test to diagnose or monitor Epstein-Barr virus infections, such as infectious mononucleosis, or to assess immune responses in conditions like chronic fatigue syndrome, lymphoma, or other EBV-related disorders. It can also help evaluate if you’ve been exposed to EBV if symptoms are unclear.
When Is This Test Typically Done?
This test is often performed during routine blood work, when symptoms of EBV infection (like fever, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes) are present, or if you have unexplained chronic fatigue or other symptoms linked to EBV exposure. It may also be used in research or clinical settings to track immune responses over time.
What Does a Positive Result Mean?
A positive result indicates that your immune system has produced EBV-specific IgG antibodies, suggesting past exposure to the virus. This does not necessarily mean you had an active infection at the time of testing, but it confirms your body has encountered the virus.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
A positive EBV IgG test confirms past infection, which is common in adults. However, it does not distinguish between acute infection (when symptoms are active) and chronic infection. If you have symptoms like fatigue, swollen glands, or other signs of EBV infection, your doctor may recommend additional testing or monitoring. In some cases, this test is used alongside other markers to assess immune function or diagnose related conditions like post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) or certain cancers.
Short name
EBV IgG Antibody
Frequently asked questions
What Are Common Reasons for This Test?
How Is This Test Performed?
What Are the Possible Results and What Do They Indicate?
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.
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Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy