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Alphabetical Index
Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) Viral Capsid Antibody, IgM (8000100257)
Test Mnemonic:
Specimen Requirements:
Collection:

Serum separator tube (SST) or Red Top serum tube with no additive 
Container:

Serum separator tube (SST) or Red Top serum tube with no additive 
Minimum Volume:

3 mL of blood (1mL of serum) 
Storage/Transport:

Refrigerate (2-8°C) up to 7 days; Samples should be frozen (<-20°C)
Stability:

Refrigerate (2-8°C) up to 7 days; Samples should be frozen (<-20°C)
Causes for Rejection:

Lipemic, hemolysis, bacterial contamination, improper collection. Specimen container unlabeled or labeled incorrectly. No date and time of collection or no collector information on order.
Specimen Preparation:

Within two hours of collection, centrifuge. Serum collected in a red top should be removed from the red cells if testing will be delayed. 
Methodology:

Multiplex Bead Immunoassay
Performed:

Clinical Microbiology
Turnaround Time:

Test is performed in batch, once per day, six days a week 
Reference Range:
Positive - Indicates a current or reactivated infection with EBV. 
Negative - Indicates no detectable IgM to EBV VCA. Interpret in conjunction with EBV IgG results. 
Equivocal - A second sample should be sent.
CPT 4 Code:

86665
Note:

IgM antibodies to VCA are normally present during acute EBV infection, and generally absent in convalescence. The presence of antibodies in otherwise healthy individuals usually indicates 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.

Previously positive patients do not require repeat testing.

If the patient has no detectable antibody, it is recommended to wait at least two weeks before testing again.

 
Synonyms:

Epstein Barr Virus Viral Capsid Antibody, IgM; EBV Viral Capsid Antibody, IgM; EBV IgM; EBV Viral Capsid IgM; EBVM
Patient Preparation :

Routine venipuncture
Clinical Indication:

Suspected infection with Epstein Barr virus.  Detection of EBV VCA IgM antibody suggests acute infection.  Order in conjuction with EBV IgG and EBNA antibodies to differentiate acute, recent, and past infection.
Effective Date: 10/24/2024
Reviewed By/Date: Williams-Bouyer, Natalie - 03/06/2019
Approved By/Date: Williams-Bouyer, Natalie - 10/24/2024
When ordering tests for which Medicare or Medicaid reimbursement will be sought, physicians should only order tests that are medically necessary for the diagnosis or treatment of the patient. Components of the organ or disease panels may be ordered individually. The diagnostic information must substantiate all tests ordered and must be in the form of an ICD-10 code or its verbal equivalent.

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