What it measures
Antibodies to the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), the virus behind most cases of glandular fever. Different antibodies show whether an infection is recent or in the past. Most adults have had EBV, often without noticing.
Why people test it
- Investigating a sore throat, swollen glands and tiredness that could be glandular fever.
- Checking whether a past illness was glandular fever.
- Checking for past infection before an organ transplant.
Typical range
There is no numeric range. Each antibody tested is reported as positive or negative, and labs read them together as no infection, a recent infection or a past one. The report shows how that lab reports it.
Finger-prick or vein?
Providers offer this test only from a vein sample, taken at a clinic.