Mononucleosis Rapid Test-Why am I having this test?

This test is used to diagnose infectious mononucleosis (IM), which is often called “mono.” This is an infection caused by the Epstein–Barr virus (EBV). You may have this test if you have symptoms of mononucleosis, such as:

• Sore throat.
• Headache.
• Extreme fatigue.
• Muscle aches.
• Swollen glands.
• Fever.
• Poor appetite.
• Rash.
• Enlarged liver or spleen.
• Nausea.
• Abdominal pain.

What is being tested?

This test checks for the presence of heterophil antibodies in your blood. Antibodies are a type of cell that is part of the body’s disease-fighting (immune) system. After you get an EBV infection, your body makes heterophil antibodies. These stay in your body after you recover and protect you from getting mononucleosis again (make you immune to the infection).

What kind of sample is taken?

A blood sample is required for this test. It is usually collected by inserting a needle into a blood vessel.

How are the results reported?

Your test results will be reported as either positive or negative. Positive means that you have the antibodies, and negative means that you do not have the antibodies.

What do the results mean?

A negative result is considered normal. This result means that you do not have mononucleosis.

A positive result may mean that you currently have mononucleosis or that you have had the condition in the last year. It could also mean that you have:

• A long-term (chronic) EBV infection.
• Chronic fatigue syndrome.
• Burkitt lymphoma.
• Some types of chronic hepatitis.

Talk with your health care provider about what your results mean.

Questions to ask your health care provider

Ask your health care provider, or the department that is doing the test:

• When will my results be ready?
• How will I get my results?
• What are my treatment options?
• What other tests do I need?
• What are my next steps?

Summary

• This test is used to help diagnose infectious mononucleosis (IM), which is often called “mono.”
• A negative result is considered normal. This result means that you do not have the condition.
• A positive result may mean that you currently have mononucleosis or that you have had the condition in the last year. It could also mean that you have one of the other diseases that can cause a positive result.