At a Glance Why Get Tested? To help diagnose infectious
mononucleosis (mono); to distinguish between an Epstein-Barr
virus (EBV) infection and another illness with similar symptoms;
to help evaluate susceptibility to EBV When to Get Tested? A
blood sample drawn from a vein in your arm Test Preparation
Needed? The Test Sample What is being tested? Epstein-Barr virus
causes an infection that is very common. According to the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as many as 95%
of people in the United States will have been infected by EBV by
the time they are 40 years old. The virus is easily passed from
person to person. It is present in the saliva of infected
individuals and can be spread through close contact such as
kissing and through sharing utensils or cups. After initial
exposure to EBV, there is a period of several weeks before
associated symptoms may appear called the incubation period.
During the acute primary infection, the virus multiplies in
number. This is followed by a decrease in vira