Epstein-Barr Virus Antibodies
Private Epstein-Barr Virus Antibodies test in London for £108, assessing EBV serology with results expected in approximately 2 business days.
Turnaround time
2 business days
Biomarkers count
1
Book your test
Choose Service Type
Professional phlebotomist comes to you
+ £{{ home_visit_fee }}
Visit our clinic for your test
{{ clinic_visit_fee > 0 ? '+ £' + clinic_visit_fee : 'Free' }}
Home Visit Details
Home visits require at least 24 hours notice.
Select a clinic: Sorting by distance…
{{ clinicAddress(clinic) }}
{{ clinicAddress(selectedClinic) }}
Select a date
Select an hour
Available time slots: {{ timeSlots.length}}
Overview of the Epstein-Barr Virus Antibodies
The Epstein-Barr Virus Antibodies blood test measures the immune antibody response to Epstein-Barr virus, or EBV.
The test contains 1 combined antibody profile: Epstein-Barr Virus Antibodies.
The current specialist laboratory assay assesses EBV IgG and IgM antibody responses.
EBV is an extremely common herpesvirus.
Many people become infected during childhood and experience few or no symptoms.
When primary infection occurs during adolescence or adulthood, EBV can cause infectious mononucleosis, commonly called glandular fever.
Typical features include severe sore throat, fever, enlarged lymph nodes and marked fatigue.
The spleen and liver can also become temporarily enlarged or inflamed.
Antibody testing helps determine whether the immune response is more consistent with recent infection or previous exposure.
IgM antibodies generally appear earlier in primary infection.
IgG antibodies develop during infection and may remain detectable throughout life.
The exact interpretation depends on which EBV antigens are included in the laboratory assay.
A positive IgG result alone commonly reflects past infection rather than active glandular fever.
Because EBV infects most adults at some point in life, persistent EBV IgG positivity is extremely common.
A positive antibody result should therefore not automatically be used to explain long-term fatigue or other non-specific symptoms.
Where severe or unusual EBV disease is suspected, particularly in immunocompromised people, EBV PCR may provide different information by detecting viral DNA directly.
What Does the Epstein-Barr Virus Antibodies Test Check?
This test measures 1 combined antibody profile.
Epstein-Barr Virus Antibodies
Detects EBV IgG and IgM immune responses to support assessment of recent primary infection, previous exposure and the stage of the antibody response.
Who May Benefit From the Epstein-Barr Virus Antibodies Test?
EBV serology may be useful where glandular fever or a recent EBV infection is clinically suspected.
People with a prolonged severe sore throat and swollen glands - Primary EBV infection is one possible cause.
People with marked fatigue and a compatible acute illness - Fatigue can be significant during glandular fever.
People with fever and enlarged lymph nodes - EBV may be considered alongside other infectious causes.
People with atypical lymphocytes or abnormal liver tests during an acute illness - These findings can occur during infectious mononucleosis.
People with a negative or uncertain Monospot test but continued clinical suspicion - EBV-specific antibodies may provide additional information.
People requiring evidence of previous EBV exposure - IgG can persist long term after infection.
People with a previous equivocal EBV result - Repeat serology may help clarify an evolving antibody response.
People specifically advised to obtain EBV IgG/IgM testing - Serology is most useful when interpreted in relation to symptom timing.
How to Prepare
There is no special dietary preparation for EBV antibody testing.
The timing of the test relative to symptom onset can materially affect interpretation, especially during early infection.
Symptoms and Reasons to Consider the Epstein-Barr Virus Antibodies Test
Primary symptomatic EBV infection can cause a characteristic glandular-fever syndrome.
Severe or persistent sore throat - Pharyngitis and tonsillar inflammation are common during glandular fever.
Swollen lymph nodes in the neck - Cervical lymphadenopathy is a characteristic feature.
Fever - Acute primary EBV infection commonly causes fever.
Marked fatigue - Fatigue can be substantial and may persist after the acute throat symptoms resolve.
Enlarged or inflamed tonsils - Tonsillar swelling and exudate can occur.
Headache and body aches - General systemic symptoms can accompany the infection.
Upper abdominal discomfort - Enlargement of the spleen or liver can occasionally cause discomfort.
Abnormal liver enzymes during a mononucleosis-like illness - Mild hepatitis can occur during primary EBV infection.
Persistent symptoms despite a negative Monospot result - Specific antibody testing can provide additional information.
These symptoms can also occur with Cytomegalovirus, streptococcal infection and other viral illnesses.
Severe abdominal pain, particularly in the upper left abdomen, collapse, difficulty breathing or significant dehydration requires urgent medical assessment.
How to Book Your Epstein-Barr Virus Antibodies Test
Booking your Epstein-Barr Virus Antibodies test with London Blood Tests is straightforward.
Choose the Epstein-Barr Virus Antibodies
Select the individual EBV serology test.
Select your sample collection option
Choose an in-clinic blood draw or professional home or hotel phlebotomy.
Attend your appointment
A trained healthcare professional collects the required venous blood sample.
Laboratory analysis
Your serum undergoes specialist analysis of EBV IgG and IgM antibody responses.
Receive your results securely
Your authorised EBV report is delivered securely for interpretation according to your symptoms and timing.
When Will I Receive My Results?
The expected specialist turnaround for Epstein-Barr Virus Antibodies is approximately 2 business days after your sample reaches the laboratory.
EBV serology requires dedicated virology antibody analysis followed by laboratory quality control and authorisation.
The reporting period starts from laboratory receipt rather than necessarily from the time your blood is collected.
Occasional equivocal results may require repeat testing or additional investigation, which can extend the overall diagnostic process.
Understanding Your Results
Interpretation depends on the combination of IgM and IgG antibodies detected.
An IgM-positive pattern can support relatively recent primary infection when symptoms and timing are compatible.
IgG antibodies commonly develop during infection and then remain detectable long term.
A positive IgG result alone often indicates previous EBV exposure rather than a new infection.
Because the majority of adults have encountered EBV, positive IgG is extremely common.
A negative antibody result early in illness may occasionally occur before the immune response is fully detectable.
Repeat testing can be considered if clinical suspicion remains strong.
EBV antibodies are generally not useful as a simple marker of "reactivation" in people with non-specific chronic fatigue.
Where clinically significant active viral replication must be assessed, EBV PCR answers a different laboratory question.
Why Book With London Blood Tests?
Private EBV testing in London - Access specialist Epstein-Barr Virus serology privately.
IgG and IgM assessment - The profile helps distinguish different stages of the antibody response.
Useful during glandular-fever investigation - EBV is a major cause of infectious mononucleosis.
Relevant after uncertain Monospot testing - Specific antibodies can provide additional information.
Fast specialist results - Expected turnaround is approximately 2 business days.
Trusted UK laboratories - Samples undergo professional virology testing.
Clinic and home collection options - Professional phlebotomy can be arranged.
Clear pricing - Epstein-Barr Virus Antibodies testing costs £108.
Private Epstein-Barr Virus Antibodies Blood Test in London
London Blood Tests provides private EBV antibody testing in London for people requiring investigation of recent or previous Epstein-Barr Virus infection.
The test costs £108 and contains one combined antibody profile.
Results are expected approximately 2 business days after laboratory receipt.
Interpretation depends on the IgG/IgM pattern and symptom timing, rather than simply whether any EBV antibody is positive.