In simple words: This test checks your blood for signs of a past or current infection with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), which can cause mono (infectious mononucleosis) and other illnesses. It's especially helpful when other tests for EBV are negative but you have symptoms.

This code represents a multi-step qualitative or semiquantitative immunoassay performed to detect antibodies to early antigen (EA) of the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in a patient's serum. The test helps diagnose EBV infections, including infectious mononucleosis, particularly in symptomatic patients with negative heterophile antibody tests. It is also used in pregnant women and immunocompromised individuals. The procedure involves reacting the specimen with test antigens, incubating the mixture, adding a detection agent (stain, fluorescent marker, etc.), and interpreting the results (positive, negative, or semi-quantitative value).

Example 1: A patient presents with symptoms of infectious mononucleosis (fatigue, fever, sore throat) but tests negative for heterophile antibodies. The 86663 test is ordered to further investigate the possibility of EBV infection., A pregnant woman exhibits symptoms similar to infectious mononucleosis. The 86663 test, as part of a larger panel, aids in differentiating between EBV infection and other conditions with similar symptoms., An immunocompromised patient requires an assessment of prior EBV exposure. The 86663 test is performed to determine the presence of EBV EA antibodies.

Documentation should include the patient's symptoms, reason for testing (e.g., suspected EBV infection, negative heterophile antibody test), and the type of immunoassay performed.

** This code is specific for the detection of antibodies to EBV early antigen (EA). It does not cover antigen detection. Specimen collection (e.g., venipuncture) may be billed separately.