Mono Test (Mononucleosis)

Mononucleosis, commonly referred to as Mono, is an infection caused by contact with the saliva of an individual with Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV). Since it is transmitting via saliva, it is often called the "kissing disease:, however, it can be contracted via sharing food, eating utensils, or, more notable, drinks.

Our Mono test detects heterophile antibodies in the blood that are produced by the immune system as a response to fighting the Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), the most common cause of mononucleosis. Heterophile antibodies, in patients with infectious mononucleosis, may be present as early as the 4th day of illness, and by the 21st day of illness, 90% of patients will exhibit a positive test.

This means that about 10% of adults with infectious mononucleosis will fail to develop heterophile antibodies. In these cases, development of EBV antibodies is applicable.

Mononucleosis symptoms often resemble common cold or flu symptoms.

Common symptoms of Mono include:

• Fever
• Sore throat
• Swollen glands/lymph nodes
• Fatigue

More mono testing information:

Because Mono is characterized by the presence of atypical white blood cells, the mono blood test is frequently ordered along with our Complete Blood Count (CBC) test. The CBC is used to determine whether the number of white blood cells is elevated and whether a significant number of reactive lymphocytes are present.