Table XIV-2.

Laboratory Diagnosis of Epstein-Barr Virus

Diagnostic Procedures	Optimum Specimens	Transport Issues; Optimal Transport Time
Heterophile antibody test or Monospot	Serum	Clot tube, RT, <2 h
IgG and IgM to viral capsid antigen, and antibodies to Epstein-Barr nuclear antigen	Serum	Clot tube, RT, <2 h
	Cerebrospinal fluid	Sterile tube, RT, <2 h
EBV DNA quantification (viral load)	Whole blood, peripheral blood lymphocytes, plasma	EDTA, RT, <2 h
	Cerebrospinal fluid
EBV DNA detection, qualitative	Cerebrospinal fluid	Sterile tube, RT, <2 h

Abbreviations: EBV, Epstein-Barr virus; IgG, immunoglobulin G; IgM, immunoglobulin M; NAAT, nucleic acid amplification test; RT, room temperature.