Test Overview
Test Methodology

Multiplex Flow Immunoassay

Test Usage

Support the diagnosis of EBV infection.

Reference Range *

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

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
EBVCG
MiChart Code
Epstein Barr Viral Capsid Antigen, IgG
Synonyms
  • EBVCAG
  • EBVGE
  • EBV Viral Capsid Ag, IgG
  • EBVCG
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.
Rejection Criteria
CSF is not acceptable.
Yellow Top Tube
Normal Volume
0.5 mL serum
Minimum Volume
0.25 mL serum
Additional Information

IgG antibodies to VCA are normally present in acute and convalescent IM. A rise is indicative of an acute stage of infection. The presence of antibodies in otherwise healthy individuals usually indicates immunological exposure either as silent primary infection or past exposure. Antibody levels tend to rise and peak after 3-4 weeks, then decline and usually persist for life.

Billing
CPT Code
86665
Fee Code
36602
LOINC
5157-3
NY State Approved
No