Comparison of Abbott Architect®, Siemens Immulite®, and Diasorin Liaison® for determination of Epstein–Barr virus serological diagnosis

This study compared the performance of 3 automated immunoassays, Architect® (Abbott), Immulite® (Siemens) and Liaison® (Diasorin), for Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) serology. Ninety-one serum samples collected in Amiens University Hospital were analyzed for the presence of Viral Capsid Antigen (VCA) IgG and IgM and Epstein–Barr Nuclear Antigen (EBNA) IgG. The agreement between the 3 assays was calculated for each marker individually and for determination of the EBV profile, based on interpretation of the combination of these 3 EBV markers. Although similar results were obtained with Architect® and Liaison®, several discordant results were observed with Immulite®, particularly for EBNA IgG. A large number of EBNA IgG-positive results were observed, which interfered with interpretation of the EBV profile. In contrast, Immulite® performed similarly to the 2 other assays for detection of VCA IgM. •Good agreement between the 3 assays for the detection of VCA IgM•Several discordant results were observed with Immulite for EBNA IgG•Interference of these discordant results with the interpretation of the EBV profile