The Epstein-Barr Virus, or "EBV" blood test, determines whether or not a person has mononucleosis. The marker this test looks for is the amount of anti-bodies, or the heterophile aggluntination antigens present. False positives may occur in patients with hepatitis, lymphoma, rubella or lupus.
Instructions
1. Locate the section with blood readings starting with "EBV." There will be four.
2. Read the EBV Ab VCA IgM marker. If it is positive (greater than one), this is the first suggestion of a current viral infection.
3. Read the EBV VCA IgG marker, which will have a positive (greater than 120) result within a week of the infection. If it is negative, this means you are susceptible to the virus. Positive results will show for the remainder of life as having had the virus.
4. Read the EBV NA IgG marker, which will become positive (greater than 120) within two to four months of getting the virus and be present for life.
5. Read the EBV EA-D IgG marker, that will be positive (greater than 120) within a week of getting the virus and disappear after two weeks in 80% of people.
6. Review the markers to determine if you have mono and how long you have been creating antibodies to fight it.
7. Obtain follow-up blood work to determine if levels are getting higher or lower, meaning are you getting worse or better.
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