What is the monospot (serum) lab test?
A monospot test is a blood test that is done to confirm the contraction of the Epstein-Barr virus, the virus that causes infectious mononucleosis.
Why is the monospot test done?
A monospot test is done to detect and diagnose infectious mononucleosis. Infectious mononucleosis is a flu-like viral infection.
What does a monospot test measure?
A monospot test detects the presence of specific antibodies produced in response to the Epstein-Barr virus.
Are there any risks associated with this test?
There are no known risks associated with this test.
What dies positive monospot test mean?
A positive result indicates an ongoing mononucleosis infection.
Which immunoglobulin does the monospot test detect?
The monospot test detects a specific type of immunoglobulin known as heterophil antibody.
How accurate is a monospot test?
A monospot test has high sensitivity and specificity.
Will a monospot test always be positive?
The antibodies detected by the monospot test can be caused by conditions other than infectious mononucleosis.
INTERPRETATIONS
On average it takes 7 working days for the blood test results to come back from the hospital, depending on the exact tests requested. Some specialist test results may take longer, if samples have to be sent to a reference (specialist) laboratory. The X-ray & scan results may take longer.
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 rare cases, the test is positive even though you do not have mono. This is called a false-positive result, and it may occur in people with:
- Hepatitis
- Leukemia or lymphoma
- Rubella
- Systemic lupus erythematosus
- Toxoplasmosis
A monospot test is done to detect and diagnose infectious mononucleosis. Infectious mononucleosis is a flu-like viral infection.
