Mononucleosis spot test

A blood sample is needed.

No special preparation is necessary.

When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain. Others feel only a prick or stinging. Afterward, there may be some throbbing or a slight bruise. This soon goes away.

The mononucleosis spot test is done when symptoms of mononucleosis are present. Common symptoms include: Fatigue Fever Large spleen (possibly) Sore throat Tender lymph nodes along the back of the neck This test looks for antibodies called heterophile antibodies, which form in the body during the mononucleosis…

A negative test means there were no heterophile antibodies detected. Most of the time, this means you do not have infectious mononucleosis. Sometimes, the test may be negative because it was done too soon (within 1 to 2 weeks) after the illness started. Your health care provider may repeat the test at a later date to…

A positive test means heterophile antibodies are present. These are most often a sign of mononucleosis. Your provider will also consider other blood test results and your symptoms. A small number of people with mononucleosis may never have a positive test. The highest number of antibodies occurs 2 to 5 weeks after…

Veins and arteries vary in size from one person to another and from one side of the body to the other. Obtaining a blood sample from some people may be more difficult than from others. Other risks associated with having blood drawn are slight, but may include: Excessive bleeding Fainting or feeling lightheaded…

Johannsen EC, Kaye KM. Epstein-Barr virus (infectious mononucleosis, Epstein-Barr virus-associated malignant diseases, and other diseases). In: Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 138.…