AsseyMethod: Agglotination
Abbrevation: Mono test
Sector: Serology
SampleType: S
S.Vol: -
Transport: at 2-8˚c, -20˚c
Storage: 1 week at 2-8˚c for longer time at -20˚c
Test Name: Mono test
Normal Range: Negative
To get screened for infectious mononucleosis (glandular fever).
If you have symptoms of mononucleosis, including fever, sore throat, swollen glands, and fatigue. (The monospot test is not useful to detect EBV in children.)
A blood sample taken from a vein in your arm
None
The Monospot test detects heterophil antibodies. It detects a reaction with horse red blood cells. A similar test, the Paul-Bunnell test, detects a reaction with sheep red blood cells. The antibodies are made in response to an infection by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). EBV causes infectious mononucleosis (glandular fever), a self-limiting disease.
Mononucleosis is characterised by the presence of atypical white blood cells (atypical lymphocytes) in an infected person. Patients have these symptoms: fever, sore throat, swollen glands, and fatigue. About 70%–80% of patients with infectious mononucleosis produce these heterophil antibodies, which are not specific for EBV infection but are a good predictor of EBV infection.
How is the sample collected for testing?
A blood sample is taken by needle from a vein in the arm.
Is any test preparation needed to ensure the quality of the sample?
No test preparation is needed.