BACKGROUND
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infects most of the population and is one of the main causes of infectious mononucleosis in adolescents and young adults.
Although it usually follows a benign course, rapid and reliable diagnosis is key to differentiating it from other infections with similar symptoms, such as acute toxoplasmosis, viral hepatitis, or primary HIV infection.
Serological diagnosis combines heterophile antibodies and EBV-specific markers, mainly VCA IgM, VCA IgG, and EBNA IgG, together with EA in certain contexts.
Product features
Indirect chemiluminescent immunoassays (CLIA) to test antibodies against Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in human serum or plasma.
Monotest format with ready-to-use reagents.
Comprehensive solution to aid in the diagnosis of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV): VCA IgM, VCA IgG, EA IgG, and EBNA IgG
Simple and automated protocol, with fast results.
Customizable configuration of samples and reagents according to laboratory needs.
Each monotest includes a calibrator and a negative control, enabling individual validation and interpretation of each sample.
Use of primary tubes, with no need for manual pipetting.
Diagnostic Recommendations
Isolated or discordant EBV antibody results should be interpreted with caution, as they may reflect early infection, past infection with an incomplete antibody profile, atypical immune response or non-specific reactivity.
Isolated VCA IgG may indicate past infection, early seroconversion before EBNA IgG appearance or an incomplete serological profile.
Isolated VCA IgM may suggest very early infection, but non-specific IgM reactivity should be considered.
Isolated EBNA IgG or isolated EA IgG are atypical profiles and are not sufficient to diagnose acute EBV infection on their own.
When results are discordant, clinically incompatible or suggest recent infection, repeat testing with a new sample after 10–14 days may help clarify seroconversion. Complementary methods may be considered in selected cases, especially in immunocompromised patients or when clinical suspicion remains high.
EBV serological interpretation table
| Heterophile IgM | VCA IgM | VCA IgG | EBNA IgG | Possible condition | Diagnostic recommendation |
– | – | – | – | No serological evidence of EBV infection | If symptoms are recent or clinical suspicion remains high, repeat testing in 10–14 days. Consider impaired antibody response in immunocompromised patients. |
+ | +/– | +/– | – | Infectious mononucleosis / recent EBV infection | Supports recent EBV infection in a compatible clinical context, especially in adolescents and adults. If heterophile IgM is negative but suspicion remains high, interpret with EBV-specific antibodies. |
–/+ | + | + | – | Primary or recent EBV infection | Compatible with acute or recent primary infection. Follow-up testing may be considered if the sample was collected very early or results do not match the clinical presentation. |
–/+ | + | + | + | Late primary infection, reactivation or non-specific IgM | Interpret with caution. If clinically relevant, repeat testing in 10–14 days and consider complementary methods. |
– | – | + | + | Past EBV infection | Usually no further serological testing is required, unless symptoms suggest another diagnosis or reactivation needs to be assessed in a specific clinical context. |
Source
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Laboratory testing for Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Atlanta: CDC; 2024 Apr 10 [consulted 2026 Jul 6]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/epstein-barr/php/laboratories/index.html
- Public Health England. UK Standards for Microbiology Investigations. V 26: Epstein-Barr virus serology. Issue 6. London: Public Health England; 2019 Jan 18 [consulted 2026 Jul 6]. Available from: https://rcpath.org/static/8aae5792-485b-4051-a4563b7763136d15/uk-smi-v-26i6-epstein-barr-virus-serology-january-2019-pdf.pdf
- Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia. Epstein-Barr virus serology. Surry Hills: RCPA Manual; 2024 Jan 2. Available from: https://www.rcpa.edu.au/Manuals/RCPA-Manual/Pathology-Tests/E/Epstein-Barr-virus-serology
PRODUCTS
EPSTEIN-BARR EBNA VIRCLIA® IgG MONOTEST
Analytes: Epstein-Barr
EPSTEIN-BARR VCA VIRCLIA® IgG MONOTEST
Analytes: Epstein-Barr
EPSTEIN-BARR VCA VIRCLIA® IgM MONOTEST
Analytes: Epstein-Barr
EPSTEIN-BARR EA VIRCLIA® IgG MONOTEST
Analytes: Epstein-Barr
USED ON
VIRCLIA® LOTUS
A compact automated CLIA platform for VirClia® infectious disease testing, combining ready-to-use single-test flexibility with continuous random access efficiency.
MORE RESOURCES
Related germs and organisms categorized for this product line.
Downloadable PDF materials, brochures, and technical documents.
The latest insights, news, and research articles from our scientific team.
Understanding the complexity of vaginal infectionsVaginal infections are among the most frequent reasons for gynecological consultation, but their dia...
Beyond detection: H. pylori testing in today’s laboratory workflow
Helicobacter pylori remains a highly relevant target in gastrointestinal diagnostics. It is a familiar pathogen, but its clinical importance has not d...
Aspergillus galactomannan: a practical biomarker for invasive aspergillosis diagnosis
Invasive aspergillosis is still one of the most difficult fungal infections to diagnose early. It mainly affects patients with weakened immune systems...
Scientific bibliography and references related to this product.
