Mononucleosis (Mono) Tests
Mononucleosis (mono) is an infectious disease caused by viruses , including: Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), which is the most common cause Cytomegalovirus Toxoplasmosis HIV Rubella Hepatitis A , B , C Adenovirus These viruses are commonly spread through body fluids.
Mononucleosis (mono) is an infectious disease caused by viruses , including: Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), which is the most common cause Cytomegalovirus Toxoplasmosis HIV Rubella Hepatitis A , B , C Adenovirus These viruses are commonly spread through body fluids. Mono is sometimes called the kissing disease because it is spread through saliva. So, besides kissing, you can get it if you share a fork, spoon, drinking glass, straw, food, toothbrush, or lip balm with a person who has mono. These viruses can also spread through blood and semen during sexual contact, blood transfusions , and organ transplants . EBV is a type of herpes virus that is very common. Most people get infected with EBV at some point in their lives, but only some of them will get symptoms of mono. Many people become infected with EBV in childhood. EBV infections in children usually do not cause symptoms. But when they do, it's difficult to tell the difference between the symptoms of mono and the symptoms of other childhood illnesses such as the flu . Teens and young adults, though, are more likely to get mono. In fact, at least one out of four teens and young adults who get EBV will develop mono. They are also more likely to have symptoms that are typical of mono, such as: Extreme fatigue Fever Sore throat Swollen lymph nodes in the neck Enlarged spleen Swollen liver Rash Mono is rarely serious, but symptoms can linger for weeks or months. Mono is typically diagnosed based on your symptoms. However, in some cases, specific lab tests may be needed to identify the cause of illness. An example would be if someone is having severe or life-threatening illness. Types of mono tests include: Monospot test. This test looks for specific antibodies in the blood. These antibodies show up during or after certain infections, including mono. EBV antibody test. This test looks for EBV antibodies, the main cause of mono. There are different types of EBV antibodies. If certain types of antibodies are found, it may mean you were infected recently. Other types of EBV antibodies may mean you were infected in the past. Other names: monospot test, mononuclear heterophile test, heterophile antibody test, EBV antibody test, Epstein-Barr virus antibody test, mononucleosis spot test
Why is this test ordered? Your provider may order one or more mono tests if you or your child has symptoms of mono. Symptoms include: Fever Sore throat Swollen glands, especially in the neck and/or armpits Fatigue Headache Rash Enlarged liver, spleen, or both Swollen tonsils An enlarged spleen and a swollen liver are less common symptoms. For some people, their liver or spleen, or both, may still be enlarged even after their fatigue ends. Most people get better in two to four weeks; however, some people may feel fatigued for several more weeks. Occasionally, the symptoms of mono can last for six months or longer.
Clinical Interpretation
If your monospot test result is positive , it may mean you or your child has mono. If it is negative, but you or your child still have symptoms, your provider will probably order an EBV antibody test. If the monospot test is negative , but you or your child still have symptoms, your provider will probably order an EBV antibody test. If your EBV test is negative , it means you don't currently have an EBV infection and were never infected with the virus. A negative result means your symptoms are probably caused by another disorder. If your EBV test is positive , it means EBV antibodies were found in your blood. The test will also show which types of antibodies were found. This allows your provider to find out whether you were infected recently or in the past. While there is no cure for mono, you can take steps to relieve symptoms. These include: Get plenty of rest Drink lots of fluids Suck on lozenges to soothe a sore throat Take over-the-counter medicines for pain and fever. But don't give aspirin to children or teens because it may cause Reye syndrome , a serious, sometimes fatal, disease that affects the brain and liver. Antibiotics are not used to treat mono. If you have a bacterial infection along with mono, you should not take penicillin antibiotics like ampicillin or amoxicillin. Otherwise, you may experience a reaction, such as a rash. If you have severe symptoms, your provider may suggest additional treatment based on which organs in your body are affected by the mono. Mono usually goes away on its own within a few weeks. Fatigue may last a bit longer. Mono can cause an enlarged spleen, which could rupture and cause a medical emergency. To try to protect the spleen, providers recommend avoiding intense exercise and contact sports until you fully recover (about a month). If you have questions about your results or treatment for mono, talk to your provider. Learn more about laboratory tests, reference ranges, and understanding results .
Clinical Protocol & Patient Advice
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You don't need any special preparations for a fingertip blood test or blood test from a vein.
Usage Guidance
- Reference ranges vary by laboratory. Always discuss your specific results with a qualified healthcare professional.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine. View the original.