Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein. Mononucleosis tests are blood tests to look for antibodies that indicate mononucleosis (mono), which is usually caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). The antibodies are made by the immune system to fight an infection. Mono tests include: The rapid mono test is done to help diagnose a recent mono infection. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) antibody testing is also done to help diagnose mono. The EBV antibody test can help determine whether you have ever been infected with the virus and whether the infection has been recent. EBV antibody testing is usually done when you have symptoms of infectious mononucleosis and a rapid mono test result is negative. EBV antibody testing may also be done to check for antibodies to EBV when a person has a disease or uses medicine that causes problems with the immune system. In general, there's nothing you have to do before this test, unless your doctor tells you to. The rapid mono test is done on a small sample of blood taken from your fingertip or from a vein. The Epstein-Barr antibody test is done on a blood sample taken from your vein. For a finger-stick sample, the health professional will puncture the skin on your middle or ring finger with a small tool called a lancet. Then they'll collect a small amount of blood. A health professional uses a needle to take a blood sample, usually from the arm. When a blood sample is taken, you may feel nothing at all from the needle. Or you might feel a quick sting or pinch. There is very little chance of having a problem from this test. When a blood sample is taken, a small bruise may form at the site. The results of a rapid mono test are usually ready within 1 hour. Normal (negative): The blood sample does not form clumps (no heterophil antibodies are detected). Abnormal (positive): The blood sample clumps (heterophil antibodies are detected). If the blood sample clumps, you probably have mono. The results of an EBV antibody test are usually ready within 3 days. The results of the antibody test to detect Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) are usually reported as positive (antibodies are present) or negative (antibodies are not present). The EBV antibody test can also detect the type of antibodies (immunoglobulins) present in the blood. The type of antibody shows whether the infection is recent or old. Normal (negative): No IgM antibody against EBV is present. If the antibody IgG is present, it may mean that you have been exposed to EBV in the past. Abnormal (positive): The antibody IgM against EBV is present. Current as of: May 13, 2023 Author: Healthwise Staff Current as of: May 13, 2023 Author: Healthwise Staff Clinical Review Board This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Learn how we develop our content. To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise.org. © 1995-2024 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.Mononucleosis Tests
Test Overview
Why It Is Done
How To Prepare
How It Is Done
Blood test from a finger stick
Blood test from a vein
How It Feels
Risks
Results
Rapid mono test
Epstein-Barr antibody testing
Related Information
Credits
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein. Current as of: May 13, 2023 Author: Healthwise Staff Clinical Review BoardMononucleosis Tests
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.