What is the principle of the Monospot test?
The Monospot test detects heterophile antibodies produced by the immune system in response to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection. These antibodies can cross-react with other types of cells, including horse red blood cells (the ones used in the monospot).
How is a monospot performed?
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.
What makes a Monospot test positive?
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.
How accurate is the Monospot test?
Though the monospot test is considered to be a very specific test, the sensitivity falls in the range of 70 to 90% and is particularly weak among children under the age of four years old.
How does the monospot test work and what does it mean what other tests would you order?
So monospot tests are often ordered with an EVB antibody test and other tests that look for infections. These include: Complete blood count and/or blood smear, which checks for high levels of white blood cells, a sign of infection. Throat culture, to check for strep throat, which has similar symptoms to mono.
Will you test positive for mono forever?
Most cases of mononucleosis are caused by infection with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Once you're infected with EBV, you carry the virus — usually in a dormant state — for the rest of your life.
How soon can mono be detected?
Heterophile antibodies are present in 40 to 60% of patients with mono in the first week after infection and in 80 to 90% of patients by the third or fourth week after infection. These antibodies usually remain detectable for three months, although they may be present for as long as a year after infection.
Can mono cause false positive?
Moreover, studies have shown that the Monospot produces both false positive and false negative results. For example, the heterophile antibodies detected by Monospot are often not present in children with infectious mononucleosis.
How often are mono tests wrong?
Monospot tests can be false-negative about 10% to 15% of the time, particularly in the early stages of the illness. You stand an approximately 25% chance of getting a false-negative test result if you are tested within the first week of symptom onset.
Is Epstein Barr the same as mono?
Infectious mononucleosis, also called “mono,” is a contagious disease. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is the most common cause of infectious mononucleosis, but other viruses can also cause this disease. It is common among teenagers and young adults, especially college students.
How infectious is mono?
The virus that causes mono (Epstein-Barr virus) is spread through saliva. You can get it through kissing, but you can also be exposed by sharing a glass or food utensils with someone who has mono. However, mononucleosis isn't as contagious as some infections, such as the common cold.
What tube is used for monospot test?
MONONUCLEOSIS HETEROPHILE ANTIBODYORDERING INFORMATION:Geisinger Epic Procedure Code: LAB2693 Geisinger Epic ID: 17585Preferred collection container:3 mL lavender-top (K2 EDTA) tubeSpecimen required:1 mL EDTA whole blood; minimum 0.5 mL. For add-on testing, 0.1 mL minimum volume required.SPECIMEN PROCESSING16 more rows•Dec 10, 2020
Do they swab your throat for mono?
The clinician will perform a physical exam, including of your throat and glands. Because mono symptoms are similar to those of other infections, the clinician will try to determine whether your symptoms are those of mono, strep throat or another viral infection. The clinician may swab the back of your throat.
What is a monospot test?
What is a mononucleosis spot test? A mononucleosis spot (or Monospot) test is a blood test used to determine whether you have contracted the Epstein-Barr virus, the virus that causes infectious mononucleosis. Your doctor may order this test if you have symptoms of mononucleosis.
How long does it take for a monospot test to show up?
What happens during a Monospot test? This blood test is most often done once symptoms have developed, which is typically 4 to 6 weeks after exposure (this delay is referred to as the incubation period). The test helps to confirm a diagnosis of the illness.
What is the purpose of mononucleosis test?
The mononucleosis test looks for the presence of two antibodies that typically form when certain infections — like those caused by the Epstein-Barr virus — are present in the body.
How long does mononucleosis last?
The symptoms of infectious mononucleosis can make it difficult to continue with normal daily activities. Symptoms may last from several weeks to a couple of months. In rare cases, it can last several months.
What does it mean when you have a positive Epstein-Barr test?
A positive test result means that the antibodies charged with attacking the Epstein-Barr virus were detected in your blood and that you most likely carry the virus. If your doctor determines you that have mononucleosis, they’ll likely tell you to rest, drink plenty of fluids, and take a pain reliever to lower a fever.
Can you get a second monospot test?
Your doctor might recommend a second test in a couple weeks or may try other tests to confirm the diagnosis. doesn’t recommend the Monospot test for general use because, while it may indicate whether you have infectious mononucleosis, it doesn’t confirm the presence of the Epstein-Barr virus.
Can you test for antibodies even if you don't have the infection?
On rare occasions, the test may show antibodies even though you don’t have the infection. This may occur especially if you have:
What is a monospot blood test?
The monospot blood test is used to determine if someone has infectious mononucleosis. This test is usually ordered as part of a panel that is called the complete blood count. The goal is to determine if there are more white blood cells than there should be. A measurement of reactive lympocytes is also part of this test. In short, the monospot blood test looks to see if there are more white blood cells of different types than there should be.
Why do doctors order monospot blood tests?
It is more common to have this test ordered for teens and young adults because of their higher risks of exposure to infectious mononucleosis. If there are symptoms that mimic the cold or flu but seem to get worse instead of better, then it would be time to discuss this test with a doctor.
How Serious Is Infectious Mononucleosis?
If infectious mononucleosis is the diagnosis from a positive blood test, then most people will receive supportive treatments that include extra fluids and rest. It may take up to 4 months for the body to fight off the infection and sometimes limited activities are required because the disease can cause the liver to swell. The spleen may also be affected. Only in rare instances when the heart or central nervous system are affected will more serious health issues arise.
What happens if a mononucleosis test is negative?
What if the test is negative? Infectious mononucleosis can still be present if this test comes back as negative. Younger children and infant will always be negative for this test because their bodies don’t make the heterophile antibodies that are measured. If mononucleosis is not suspected and strep throat has been ruled out, then there may be another micro-organism infection present, such as toxoplasmosis or CMV.
Why is monospot blood test negative?
If the monospot blood test continues to be negative, then the next step in the diagnostic process would be to screen for an EBV infection. Sometimes a strep test is also ordered to rule out the possibility of a Group A or Group B ...
Why do you have to have a second test 7 days later?
Because the test looks for heterophile antibodies that have developed in the presence of the infectious mononucleosis, a suspicion of the disease and a negative test result may have a doctor order a second test 7 days later to completely rule out the possibility of mononucleosis.
What does it mean when a blood test is positive for monospot?
What if the test is positive? A positive monospot blood test generally means that someone has an active case of infectious mononucleosis. This is a rapid test that will generally produce same day results. There are no specific guidelines to follow for the general population, although a doctor may order instructions for the test based on ...
Why do they do a spot test for mononucleosis?
Why the Test is Performed. The mononucleosis spot test is done when symptoms of mononucleosis are present. Common symptoms include: This test looks for antibodies called heterophile antibodies which form in the body during the infection.
How long does mononucleosis last?
The highest number of antibodies occurs 2 to 5 weeks after mono begins. They may be present for up to 1 year. In rare cases, the test is positive even though you do not have mono.
What happens during a mono test?
You will need to provide a sample of blood from your fingertip or from a vein.
What are mononucleosis (mono) tests?
Mononucleosis (mono) is an infectious disease caused by a virus. The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is the most common cause of mono, but other viruses can also cause the disease.
Is there anything else I need to know about mono tests?
But as of now, researchers have not found any evidence to show this is true. So monospot and EBV tests are not used to diagnose or monitor CFS.
What does EBV look for in blood tests?
This test looks for specific antibodies in the blood. These antibodies show up during or after during 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.
Why is mono called kissing disease?
Mono is sometimes called the kissing disease because it is spread through saliva. You can also get mono if you share a drinking glass, food, or utensils with an a person who has mono. Types of mono tests include: Monospot test. This test looks for specific antibodies in the blood.
How long does mono last?
Mono usually goes away on its own within a few weeks. Fatigue may last a bit longer. Health care providers recommend children avoid sports for at least a month after symptoms have gone. This helps avoid injury to the spleen, which may be at a higher risk for damage during and just after an active mono infection.
What does a complete blood count and/or blood smear check for?
Complete blood count and/or blood smear, which checks for high levels of white blood cells, a sign of infection.
How long does it take for mononucleosis to resolve?
Symptoms of infectious mononucleosis generally resolve within four weeks. If a person is ill for more than six months and does not have a laboratory-confirmed diagnosis of EBV infection, other causes of chronic illness or chronic fatigue syndrome should be considered.
What is EBV testing?
Laboratory Testing. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), also known as human herpesvirus 4, is a gamma herpes virus that occurs only in humans. Laboratory testing can help distinguish whether someone is susceptible to EBV infection or has a recent or past infection. Healthcare providers can test for antibodies to the following EBV-associated antigens: ...
How long does it take for an EBV antibody to disappear?
Anti-VCA IgM appears early in EBV infection and usually disappears within four to six weeks.
Can EBV be detected by antibody test?
EBV antibody tests are not usually needed to diagnose infectious mononucleosis. However, specific antibody tests may be needed to identify the cause of illness in people who do not have a typical case of infectious mononucleosis or have other illnesses that can be caused by EBV infection.
What is the purpose of a monospot test?
Purpose. rapid test for infectious mononucleosis. The mononuclear spot test or monospot test, a form of the heterophile antibody test, is a rapid test for infecti ous mononucleosis due to Epstein–Barr virus (EBV). It is an improvement on the Paul–Bunnell test.
How sensitive is a monospot test?
Commercially available test kits are 70–92% sensitive and 96–100% specific, with a lower sensitivity in the first two weeks after clinical symptoms begin. The United States Center for Disease Control deems the monospot test not to be very useful.
How long does it take for a heterophile antibody to show up?
The highest amount of heterophile antibodies occurs 2 to 5 weeks after the onset of symptoms. If positive, it will remain so for at least six weeks.
What is heterophile antibody test?
Heterophile antibody test. A commercial immunochromatographic test kit for the heterophile antibody test. Solid lines are visible at the "C" (control) and "T" (test) positions, indicating a positive result. Synonyms.
How long does it take to get results from a horse blood test?
Using this method, the test can be performed by individuals without specialized training, and the results may be available in as little as five minutes.
What is the immunofluorescence test for seroconversion?
In the case of delayed or absent seroconversion, an immunofluorescence test could be used if the diagnosis is in doubt. It has the following characteristics: VCAs (Viral Capsid Antigen) of the IgM class, antibodies to EBV early antigen (anti-EA), absent antibodies to EBV nuclear antigen (anti-EBNA)
What is EBV test?
It is indicated as a confirmatory test when a physician suspects EBV, typically in the presence of clinical features such as fever, malaise, pharyngitis, tender lymphadenopathy (especially posterior cervical; often called "tender glands") and splenomegaly. In the case of delayed or absent seroconversion, an immunofluorescence test could be used ...
Overview
Diagnosis
- If you have these symptoms for a week or longer, you may have mono. Your doctor may perform the mononucleosis spot test to confirm (or rule out) the diagnosis.
Causes
- When a virus infects the body, the immune system goes to work to fight it off. This is your bodys protective reaction. It includes the release of certain antibodies, or \"fighter cells,\" charged with going after the viral cells.
Treatment
- Your healthcare provider will wrap an elastic band around your upper arm to make the vein fill with blood. Theyll then gently insert a small needle into the vein, allowing the blood to flow into an attached tube. When the tube contains enough blood, your doctor will withdraw the needle and cover the small puncture wound with a bandage. For a finger-prick test, your healthcare provider …
Risks
- Though blood tests are extremely safe, some people may feel light-headed after its over. If you experience light-headedness, tell your healthcare provider and sit down in the office until it passes. They may also get you a snack and a beverage to help you recover. Other complications may include soreness at the injection site, particularly if your healthcare provider had a hard tim…
Prevention
- Finally, if you have any bleeding disorders, or if you are taking blood-thinning medications like warfarin or aspirin, be sure you tell your doctor before the test.
Results
- A positive test result means that the antibodies charged with attacking the Epstein-Barr virus were detected in your blood, and that you are mostly likely infected with the virus. On rare occasions, the test may show antibodies even though you may not be infected. This may occur especially if you have hepatitis, leukemia, rubella, systemic lupus erythematosus, or other infectious disease…
Definition
Alternative Names
- Monospot test; Heterophile antibody test; Heterophile agglutination test; Paul-Bunnell test; Forssman antibody test
How The Test Will Feel
- 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.
Why The Test Is Performed
- The mononucleosis spot test is done when symptoms of mononucleosisare present. Common symptoms include: 1. Fatigue 2. Fever 3. Large spleen (possibly) 4. Sore throat 5. Tender lymph nodes along the back of the neck This test looks for antibodies called heterophile antibodies which form in the body during the infection.
Normal Results
- 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 to make sure you do not have mono.
What Abnormal Results Mean
- 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 mono begins. They may be present for up to 1 year. In ra…
Risks
- 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: 1. Excessive bleeding 2. Fainting or feeling lightheaded 3. Hematoma (blood buildup under the skin) 4. Infection (a slight …
References
- 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, Updated Edition. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2015:chap 141. Schooley RT. Epstein-Barr virus infe…