Epstein-Barr Virus Viral Capsid Antigen (VCA) Antibody (IgA)
An antibody marker tied to chronic or reactivated EBV and nasopharyngeal carcinoma screening.
Consider this test if:
- Investigating possible chronic or reactivated EBV infection
- Screening or monitoring in the context of nasopharyngeal carcinoma risk or treatment
- Persistent symptoms with prior EBV exposure and a clinician wants a reactivation marker
- Tracking VCA IgA titers over time after nasopharyngeal carcinoma treatment
- HSA/FSA eligible
- Results delivered to your dashboard · Reviewed by a real clinician
- Drawn at a CLIA/CAP-accredited lab near you ·
Pre-test considerations
No fasting required, and timing during the day does not affect the result. A single blood draw is sufficient. Interpretation depends on the titer level, so use the same testing approach when comparing results over time.
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What this test is for
Epstein-Barr virus infects most people for life, usually silently after an initial mononucleosis-type illness. This test measures IgA antibodies to the viral capsid antigen (VCA), a less common EBV marker used mainly to flag chronic or reactivated infection rather than to confirm recent exposure. Higher titers (roughly 1:80 and above) point toward chronic or reactivated EBV, while low titers (1:10 to 1:40) typically reflect past infection. Its most distinctive use is in nasopharyngeal carcinoma, where elevated VCA IgA is found in most patients and titers fall with successful treatment, making it useful for both detection and monitoring.
For the standard question of current versus past EBV infection, the VCA IgM and IgG, EBNA IgG, and the full EBV antibody panel are the usual markers; VCA IgA is the specialized form reserved for reactivation and nasopharyngeal carcinoma questions.
- Specimen
- Serum
- Method
- Immunofluorescence
- Measures
- Titer
What you'll learn
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Insights that connect the dots. A clinician reads your whole picture, not one result in isolation, connecting family history, past results, and lifestyle into clear next steps.
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Your personalized action plan. Nutrition, supplements, and training in one clinician-reviewed protocol, updated as your results change.
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Track your trends. Upload results from any lab and see each biomarker trend over time, so you know what is working.
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Never miss a recheck. Mito tells you what is worth retesting and when, then reminds you so nothing slips.
What to expect
- 1 Book instantly
Click, book, done. Choose a convenient lab location near you. Transparent, up-front pricing.
- 2 Quick lab visit
Testing to fit your busy schedule, usually 15 minutes or less. Walk-in and appointments available.
- 3 Fast, dashboard-delivered results
Your results post straight to your dashboard as soon as the lab completes them.
- 4 Expert guidance
Included with Mito membership. A clinician reviews your results and your personalized action plan follows, with clear next steps.
Everything your health needs,
in one membership
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Every test at our cost
Members pay our cost on every test, with lab fees passed straight through. The full receipt is itemized, never padded.
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Continuous tracking, all in one place
Upload past labs and watch your trends over time. Every marker and visit lives in one longitudinal record, so all your care stays together.
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Year-round clinician support
Text anytime and get clinician-reviewed answers. When you want to go deeper, 1:1 consultations are available at affordable rates.
All for $9/month
Order any test or consult without joining. For $9/month, members unlock member prices, trend tracking, and year-round clinician guidance.
Mito Membership
$9 /mo
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Without membership
$0
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Frequently asked questions
View all FAQsHow does pricing work?
Every test shows the member price next to the standard non-member price, so you can see what membership saves you. The member price is our cost, covering the lab and what it takes to run the service. It is never a profit on the test itself. Mito makes its money on the $9 membership, not on marking up your tests. Membership is $9 per month, and any applicable lab order or draw fee is itemized before you pay.
Where do I get tested?
Choose an available partner lab at checkout. If your cart contains multiple blood tests, Mito helps consolidate the eligible tests at one lab when possible. At-home kits and scans follow the collection or appointment process shown on their product page.
Is this eligible for HSA/FSA?
Yes. Eligible tests can be paid for with an HSA or FSA card at checkout.
When will I get my results?
Your results appear in your Mito dashboard after the laboratory completes processing. A clinician then reviews them before your analysis and personalized action plan are finalized. Timing varies by test, and specialty assays and at-home kits may take longer.
Do I need a physician's order?
No. Mito provides the laboratory order when one is required, so you do not need to arrange a separate physician visit before purchasing.
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