CHANGE
EPSTEIN BARR ANTIBODY PROFILE
EFFECTIVE 03/07/2013
EPSTEIN BARR ANTIBODY PROFILE
LABID00003
The Special Chemistry/Toxicology section of the Department of Pathology and Laboratory
Medicine will begin performing the Epstein Barr Antibody Profile testing with the Wampole
Laboratories ELISA II method on the Dynex DS2 analyzer as of Thursday March 7, 2013. This
testing moves from the Diamedix MAGO Plus ELISA method.
PLEASE NOTE: There is a difference in EBV EA (Early Antigen) Antibody detection between the
two methods. The new method – the Wampole EBV EA IgG assay – detects antibodies to both
the R (Restrictive) and the D (Diffuse) components of the early antigen; whereas, the Diamedix
assay detected Early Antigen Antibody only to the D (Diffuse) component.
Sample Requirements
Collect: One 4-mL SST (gold top) or serum (red top) vacutainer tube
Specimen Preparation: None
Storage/Transport: Separate serum and transport at 2-8oC if sample will not reach laboratory
within 8 hours.
Stability: Unspun samples and separated serum samples are stable at room temperature for up
to 8 hours. Separated serum is stable at 2-8oC for up to 48 hours, or at -20oC for longer storage.
Unacceptable Conditions: Any sample type other than as stated above is unacceptable. In
addition, grossly contaminated, hemolyzed, lipemic, and icteric specimens are unacceptable.
Reference Interval: Negative
Routine Testing: Performed on Thursdays
Interpretation of EBV Serologic Results
Clinical
Stage
No previous/
susceptible
Acute
Recent
Past
Reactivation*
EBNA
Early
Antigen
VCA-IgG
VCA-IgM





±
+
+
±
±

+
+
+
+
+
+
±

±
*Positive EA with a positive EBNA does not necessarily indicate that a patient’s current
medical condition is caused by EBV reactivation. Healthy individuals with no symptoms
can have antibodies to early antigen for years after initial EBV infection. Reactivation can
occur subclinically. Additional information is available at http://www.arupconsult.com or
and www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/ebv.htm
If you have questions or need additional information please contact Laboratory Client Services at
734-7373 or email pathologyclientservices@ucdmc.ucdavis.edu.
LIS mnemonic: EBVIG, EBVPR
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