Mononucleosis (Mono) Test

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About the Test

Purpose of the test

The purpose of mono testing is to look for ​​heterophile antibodies in the blood, which can confirm a diagnosis of infectious mononucleosis.

Infectious mononucleosis is a contagious disease caused by a virus. EBV is the most common cause of infectious mononucleosis, although other viruses can also cause this disease. Also known as human herpesvirus 4, EBV is a member of the herpes virus family. Mono is most common among teenagers and young adults. Approximately 25% of people infected with EBV develop infectious mononucleosis.

Mono may be diagnosed based on a person’s symptoms, so laboratory tests are not always used to diagnose this condition. However, many experts recommend using laboratory tests to confirm a diagnosis of mono. Laboratory tests used in diagnosing infectious mononucleosis include mononucleosis testing, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) antibody tests, and a complete blood count.

What does the test measure?

To determine whether a patient has infectious mononucleosis, a mono test is administered to look for the presence of certain antibodies. Antibodies are substances made by the immune system in response to an infection.

In patients who are suspected of having mono, a blood sample is tested for two antibodies that are produced during or after an EBV infection, called heterophile antibodies. 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.

When should I get a mono test?

A mono test may be ordered when a person has symptoms that a health care professional suspects are due to infectious mononucleosis. Some of the more common signs and symptoms of this disease include:

  • Extreme fatigue
  • Fever
  • Sore throat
  • Swollen lymph nodes in the neck and armpits
  • Head and body aches
  • Enlarged liver, spleen, or both
  • Rash

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