Mononucleosis Tests

EBV Antibody Test, Epstein-Barr Antibody Test, Monospot Test

Test Overview

Mononucleosis tests are blood tests to look for antibodies that indicate mononucleosis (mono), which is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). The antibodies are made by the immune system to fight an infection.

Mono tests include:

• Monospot test (heterophil test). This quick screening test detects a type of antibody (heterophil antibody) that forms during certain infections. A sample of blood is placed on a microscope slide and mixed with other substances. If heterophil antibodies are present, the blood clumps (agglutinates). This result usually indicates a mono infection. Monospot testing can usually detect antibodies 2 to 9 weeks after a person is infected. It generally is not used to diagnose mono that started more than 6 months earlier.
• EBV antibody test. For this test, a sample of blood is mixed with a substance that attaches to antibodies against EBV. A series of tests can detect different types of antibodies to help determine whether you were infected recently or sometime in the past.

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Author:	Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS	Last Updated: December 20, 2007
Medical Review:	Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics W. David Colby IV, MSc, MD, FRCPC - Infectious Disease
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