EBNA Antibody
Clinical Background:
This is a serological assay for the detection of IgG to Ebstein Barr virus (EBV) nuclear antigen (EBNA). It is the standard screening test for Epstein Barr Virus infection. A positive result indica...
This is a serological assay for the detection of IgG to Ebstein Barr virus (EBV) nuclear antigen (EBNA). It is the standard screening test for Epstein Barr Virus infection. A positive result indicates PAST infection and excludes primary infection within the preceding 8 weeks. Further testing will be carried out by the laboratory if result is negative (EBV VCA IgG and EBV VCA IgM). For EBV past infection/immunity screening see Ebstein Barr virus (VCA) IgG. Please note IgG assay can be affected by passively acquired antibody where blood products have been administered, or by maternally acquired antibodies in the first months of life.
Test Details
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Discipline:
Microbiology
Microbiology
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Specimen Container Adult:
Clotted blood - Gold SST
Clotted blood - Gold SST
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Specimen Container Paediatric:
Clotted blood
Clotted blood
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Minimum Volume Adult:
5 ml
5 ml
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Minimum Volume Paediatric:
1 ml
1 ml
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Special Requirement:
Send to laboratory as quickly as possible. If delays likely, refrigerate at 2-8 deg C
Send to laboratory as quickly as possible. If delays likely, refrigerate at 2-8 deg C
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Sample Stability:
Stable for up to 24 hours
Stable for up to 24 hours
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Transport Requirements:
Standard
Standard
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Add On Test:
Possible up to 5 days
Possible up to 5 days
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Quality Assurance:
UK National External Quality Assurance Scheme (UKNEQAS)
UK National External Quality Assurance Scheme (UKNEQAS)
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Interpretation:
If the VCA-IgM is negative but VCA-IgG and an EBNA antibody are positive, then it is likely that the person tested had a previous EBV infection.
If the VCA-IgM is negative but VCA-IgG and an EBNA antibody are positive, then it is likely that the person tested had a previous EBV infection.
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Reference Ranges:
None available
None available
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Factors Affecting Result:
If delays likely, refrigerate at 2-8 deg C
If delays likely, refrigerate at 2-8 deg C
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Referenced Documents:
Standards of Microbiology Investigations (SMI V26)
Standards of Microbiology Investigations (SMI V26)