It is indicated as a confirmatory test when a physician suspects EBV, typically in the presence of clinical features such as fever, malaise, pharyngitis, tender lymphadenopathy (especially posterior cervical; often called "tender glands") and splenomegaly. In the case of delayed or absent seroconversion, an immunofluorescence test could be used if the diagnosis is in doubt. It has the following characteristics: VCAs (Viral Capsid Antigen) of the IgM class, antibodies to EBV early antigen (anti-EA), absent antibodies to EBV nuclear antigen (anti-EBNA) Usefulness One source states that the specificity of the test is high, virtually 100%, Another source states that a number of other conditions can cause false positives. Rarely, however, a false positive<unk>  may result from systemic lupus erythematosus, toxoplasmosis, rubella, lymphoma and leukemia. However, the sensitivity is only moderate, so a negative test does not exclude EBV. This lack of sensitivity is especially the case in young children, many of whom will not produce detectable amounts of the<unk>  antibody and will thus have a false negative test result. Timing It will generally not be positive during the 4–6 week incubation period before the onset of symptoms. The highest amount of<unk>  antibodies occurs 2 to 5 weeks after the onset of symptoms. If positive, it will remain so for at least six weeks. An elevated<unk>  antibody level may persist up to 1 year.
Heterophile antibody test
Rabbit test
Mantoux test
Rabbit Test
Direct fluorescent antibody
Direct agglutination test
Rapid antigen test
Viral culture