Immunoglobulin M (IgM) Antibody to Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) Nucleocapsid Protein
This test measures the level of IgM antibodies in your blood that target the EBV nucleocapsid protein, a marker often used to detect recent or acute infection by Epstein-Barr virus.
["IgM antibodies can help identify if you’ve recently been exposed to EBV."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 13313-2
- Short code
- IgM Ab.IgM SerPl-aCnc
- Synonyms
- IgM Ab.IgM SerPl-aCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 82784
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What Does This Test Measure?
IgM antibodies are a type of immune protein your body produces in response to infection. In this test, we focus on antibodies specific to the EBV nucleocapsid protein, which is part of the virus’s core structure. These antibodies typically appear within weeks to months after initial EBV exposure and can persist for months or years. This test helps determine if your immune system is actively fighting an EBV infection at the time of testing.
Why Might You Need This Test?
Doctors may order this test if you have symptoms like fever, fatigue, sore throat, or swollen lymph nodes, which can be linked to EBV infection. It may also be used in diagnosing certain conditions like infectious mononucleosis or to monitor EBV-related health concerns in specific clinical settings.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed for this blood test. You may have a small needle inserted into your arm to draw blood, similar to other routine blood tests. The process usually takes a few minutes, and you can resume normal activities afterward.
What to Expect During the Test
The blood sample will be sent to a lab for analysis. The results are typically available within a few days, depending on the lab’s processing time. Your healthcare provider will discuss the results with you and explain what they mean in the context of your health.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Elevated IgM levels to EBV nucleocapsid protein suggest recent EBV infection. This can be particularly useful in diagnosing acute EBV infection, especially in individuals with symptoms like those of mononucleosis. However, IgM levels can also fluctuate, so they should be interpreted alongside clinical findings and other diagnostic tests. Chronic or persistent EBV infections may not always show elevated IgM levels, so additional testing may be needed for further evaluation.
Short name
IgM EBV Nucleocapsid Antibody
Frequently asked questions
How long do IgM antibodies to EBV nucleocapsid protein typically stay in the blood?
Can IgM levels alone confirm an EBV infection?
What are the most common symptoms associated with elevated IgM EBV nucleocapsid antibodies?
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