Notes

A negative result generally excludes esposure to Epstein-Barr virus, but may also be associated with past infection. If exposure to Epstein-Barr virus is suspected despite a negative finding, a second sample should be collected and tested no less than one to two weeks later.

A positive result indicates exposure to Epstein-Barr virus and is usually associated with active or recent primary (acute) EBV infection or reactivation, but may also be observed in patients with no detectable evidence of recent infection. Assay cross-reactivity has been noted with some specimens containing antibody to Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). HIV disease must be excluded before confirmation of diagnosis.

 The equivocal sample should be repeated tested. In case the result remains in this range after repeat testing, a second sample should be collected and tested no less than one or two weeks later.