Description
Why It’s Done
Doctors may order an EBV DNA – PCR test to:
• Diagnose active EBV infection, particularly in cases where symptoms of mononucleosis or other EBV-related diseases are present.
• Monitor chronic EBV infection or reactivation in immunocompromised individuals (e.g., organ transplant recipients, HIV patients).
• Detect EBV in individuals with severe or persistent symptoms like chronic fatigue syndrome or autoimmune diseases.
• Assess viral load (the amount of virus in the body), especially in EBV-associated cancers like Burkitt lymphoma or nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
• Help guide treatment decisions for EBV-related conditions by determining the level of active infection.
Preparation
• No special preparation is generally required.
• Inform your doctor if you have recently had an EBV infection or been vaccinated with any live virus vaccines, as this might influence the results.
• A blood sample is typically required for this test, though in some cases, samples from other body fluids (e.g., throat swab) may be used.


