Update Type: Test Resumed
Test Updated: 03/06/2024
Test Overview
Test Methodology

Multiplex Flow Immunoassay

Test Usage

Support diagnosis of EBV infection.

Reference Range *

NEGATIVE: Indicates no detectable IgM antibody to EBV Viral Capsid Antigen; EQUIVOCAL: Presence or absence of IgM antibody to EBV Viral Capsid Antigen cannot be determined. Another specimen should be sent for analysis; POSITIVE: Indicates detectable levels of IgM antibody to EBV Viral Capsid Antigen.

* Reference ranges may change over time. Please refer to the original patient report when evaluating results.

Test Limitations

Assay performance characteristics have not been established for immunocompromised or immunosuppressed patients, cord blood, neonatal specimens or infants. Assay performance characteristics have not been established for the diagnosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma, Burkitt’s lymphoma and other EBV-associated lymphomas.

Test Details
Days Set Up
Monday - Friday
Analytic Time

24 hours

Soft Order Code
EBVCM
MiChart Code
EBV Viral Capsid Antigen, IgM
Synonyms
  • EBVCAM
  • EBVCM
  • EBV Viral Capsid AG, IgM
Laboratory
Chemical Pathology
Section
Immunopathology
Specimen Requirements
Collection Instructions

Collect specimen in SST tube. Centrifuge, aliquot serum into a plastic vial and refrigerate.

Alternate Specimen
Red top tube.
Normal Volume
0.5 mL serum
Minimum Volume
0.25 mL serum
Rejection Criteria
CSF is not acceptable.
Additional Information

IgM antibodies to VCA are normally present in acute IM and generally absent in convalescence. A rise is indicative of an acute stage of infection or reactivation. The presence of antibodies in otherwise healthy individuals usually indicates immunological exposure either as silent primary infection or reactivation. Antibody levels tend to rise and peak after 3-4 weeks, then decline and usually dissipate after 2-3 months.

Billing
CPT Code
86665
Fee Code
36603
LOINC
24115-8