Mononucleosis Tests

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

Results

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.

Monospot test

The results of a monospot test are usually ready within 1 hour.

Monospot test

Normal (negative):	The blood sample does not form clumps (no heterophil antibodies are detected).
Abnormal (positive):	The blood sample clumps (heterophil antibodies are detected). If the blood sample clumps, you probably have mono. Other diseases that can cause blood to clump in this test include leukemia, lymphoma, hepatitis, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Epstein-Barr antibody testing

The results of the antibody test to detect Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) are usually given in titers. A titer is a measure of how much the blood sample can be diluted before the antibodies against the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) can no longer be detected.

A titer of 1 to 40 (1:40) means that antibodies can be detected when 1 part of the blood sample is diluted by up to 40 parts of a salt solution (saline). A larger second number means there are more antibodies in the blood. Therefore, a titer of 1 to 80 indicates more EBV antibodies in the blood than a titer of 1 to 40.

The EBV antibody test can also detect the type of antibodies (immunoglobulins) present in the blood. The type of antibody indicates whether the infection is recent or old. The antibody IgM is only found during the active phase of mono. The antibody IgG can be found later, when you are starting to get better.

The results of an EBV antibody test are usually ready within 3 days.

EBV antibody test

Normal (negative):	The titer is less than 1 to 40 (1:40). A titer of less than 1:40 means that you have never been exposed to EBV. No IgM is present. If IgG is present, it may mean that you have been exposed to EBV in the past.
Abnormal (positive):	A titer greater than 1 to 40 (1:40) usually means that you have been exposed to EBV or you have had mono in the past. But other diseases that can cause a positive result include some types of cancer, such as leukemia or Burkitt's lymphoma. IgM is present. IgG may also be present but may mean that you have been exposed to EBV 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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