Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) Antibody Panel Test
The Epstein-Barr Virus Antibody Panel measures three antibodies — VCA IgM, VCA IgG, and EBNA IgG — in a blood sample. Clinicians read the pattern of these three results together to help evaluate current or past Epstein-Barr virus infection, commonly linked to infectious mononucleosis.
About this panel
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a common virus most often associated with infectious mononucleosis, an illness that is usually self-limiting in children and young adults. This panel reports three antibodies related to EBV — VCA IgM, VCA IgG, and EBNA IgG — measured by immunoassay from a single serum sample.
Quest also lists this test under the names EBV Comprehensive and Infectious Mononucleosis Panel. A clinician reads the three-antibody pattern together with a person's symptoms and history, since the timing of when each antibody appears or fades can point to whether an infection is recent, past, or ongoing.
Who might consider this panel?
- Because the three antibodies appear and fade at different points after infection, the combination is read as a pattern rather than any single result.
Test details
| Quest code | 6421 |
|---|---|
| Methodology | Immunoassay |
| Sample type | 1 mL serum |
| Collection | Quest patient service center |
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Quest resources
Additional details
What this test looks at
The panel reports three separate antibody levels: VCA IgM, VCA IgG, and EBNA IgG. VCA IgM tends to appear early after infection and fade within weeks to months. VCA IgG also appears early but persists for life. EBNA IgG typically appears later, during convalescence, and also persists for life. Reading all three together is how a clinician gauges where someone may be in the course of an EBV infection.
Order online and a physician order is included — no doctor's visit and no insurance needed. Your sample is collected at a Quest Diagnostics patient service center.
Laboratory results should always be interpreted by a licensed clinician who knows your health history. This page is information about a test, not medical advice.
Frequently asked questions
What does the EBV Antibody Panel measure?
It measures three Epstein-Barr virus antibodies — VCA IgM, VCA IgG, and EBNA IgG — using immunoassay on a serum sample. The pattern of these three results is used to help evaluate current or past EBV infection.
How is the sample collected?
The test uses a serum sample from a routine blood draw at a Quest Diagnostics patient service center.
Do I need to prepare for this test?
No preparation instructions are listed for this test, though people follow any instructions their ordering clinician provides.
Is this the same as the Infectious Mononucleosis Panel?
Yes. Quest lists this test under the names EBV Comprehensive and Infectious Mononucleosis Panel; they refer to the same three-antibody panel.
What condition is this panel associated with?
Epstein-Barr virus commonly causes infectious mononucleosis, usually a self-limiting illness in children and young adults. EBV infection has also been associated with lymphoproliferative disorders, including tumors.
How much does the EBV AB Panel test cost?
The cash price at Celio Health is $169. That covers the physician's order and sample collection at a Quest patient service center — no insurance is needed and there's no separate doctor's visit to pay for.