This blood test detects Epstein-Barr virus DNA to show whether you have a current or recent infection, before antibodies would normally appear. It suits people with symptoms of glandular fever who want an early answer.
1 biomarker as listed by Medichecks.
This test measures a single marker, Epstein-Barr virus PCR, which detects the virus's genetic material directly in your blood. Because it picks up the virus itself rather than your immune response to it, it can show an infection earlier than an antibody test, before your body has had time to produce antibodies. Epstein-Barr virus is the cause of glandular fever, so this test is aimed at people who want to know whether the virus is currently active in their system.
Medichecks does not group this test against a named comparison set, but across the wider immunity category it sits at the expensive end: its £299 price is well above the typical cost of similarly sized single-marker immunity tests we track, which pulls its overall value score down sharply even though the listing itself is clear about what is included.
The scorecard reflects that trade-off. It loses marks heavily on value for money because of the price gap, and clinical depth sits mid-table since a one-marker test is inherently narrow. It scores well for clarity and documentation, because the listing sets out the sample type, collection options and turnaround clearly, and for results and follow-up, since every result is reviewed by a doctor rather than left for you to interpret alone.
This test suits you if you have symptoms that could be glandular fever, such as extreme fatigue, sore throat or swollen glands, and you specifically want to know whether Epstein-Barr virus is active in your blood right now, rather than whether you have ever been exposed to it. Because it only measures one marker, it is a targeted test rather than a broad health check, and Medichecks does not provide a comparable peer test in our data to weigh it against on price, so treat the cost as the going rate for this specific type of test rather than as good or poor value relative to named competitors.
You can have this done at an in-store clinic, through a home nurse visit, or with a venous blood draw at a clinic; Medichecks does not offer an at-home finger-prick option for this test. Results are typically ready in around 7 days, and every result comes with a doctor's review as standard rather than a raw lab report.
Looking directly for Epstein-Barr virus DNA, this test can show an active or recent infection before antibodies develop. At £299 it costs more than double the £129 median for similarly sized immunity tests we track. Results come from a venous blood draw and take around a week, with every report reviewed by a doctor.
The listing publishes a short description, the full biomarker list, a stated turnaround, clear collection options, the sample type; it does not state what the report looks like.
1 biomarkers, placing it in the 36th percentile of immunity tests we track.
A blood sample taken at home by a visiting nurse or phlebotomist; with a venous or clinic option as well; a home nurse visit is offered; results in around 7 days, slower than similar tests.
Results are reviewed by a doctor; the provider does not describe the report format.
Trustpilot 4.5 from 2,477 reviews; accredited lab (UKAS ISO 15189 partner labs); doctor review as standard; trading 25+ years.
£299.00 against a median of £129.00 for the 79 similarly sized immunity tests we track (+132%).
Calculated 13 September 2026 from the facts we hold about this test and provider, using our published scoring formula. Scores are not hand-edited.
Highly rated for depth and priced well below the market
An 8-marker blood test covering white and red blood cells, vitamin D, B12, iron status and inflammation, for a broad check of immune-related health.
Six-marker immunity panel below the category median
A six-marker blood panel covering IgG, IgM and IgA antibodies plus total protein, albumin and globulin, for anyone investigating frequent infections or possible immune deficiency.
Combined Covid tests, discontinued from 30 Sept 2026
A combined blood test measuring both nucleocapsid antibodies, which indicate past infection, and spike protein antibodies, which indicate a vaccine or infection response.
Broad 13-marker urine panel, competitively priced
A urine analysis under the microscope plus a culture to check for bacteria, covering signs of infection, kidney health and metabolic changes. Suits monitoring urinary symptoms or investigating an abnormal result.
