Symptoms may include:
Your doctor may also look for an enlarged spleen or a swollen liver.
Diagnosis of Mono
Mono is typically diagnosed based on symptoms, not bloodwork.
The Epstein-Barr virus test looks for antibodies produced by the body when fighting an EBV infection.
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These particular antibodies are of interest because EBV is a common cause of mono.
Someone who has never been infected with EBV should not have EBV antibodies.
The EBV antibody test results may present as negative if the person tested too early.
It takes time for the body to produce antibodies to an infection.
The immune system may not have had sufficient time to respond to EBV if mono was just recently contracted.
It may also be negative if mono is resulting from a different virus.
It may be necessary to take the test multiple times to give the antibodies time to develop.
Your doctor may ask you to come back for a retest after 10 to 14 days.
Mono can also be detected through a test called the Monospot test, or heterophile test.
In clinical practice, many doctors start with a Monospot test as it is relatively fast and inexpensive.
Risks and Contraindications
The EBV test is a blood test.
The risks of taking a blood test at a reputable facility are minimal.
However, some possible risks include discomfort from the needle insertion and possible bruising at the blood draw site.
Some people experience temporary redness and swelling.
In rare cases, an infection can occur where blood was drawn.
If youre anxious about having blood taken, you may feel lightheaded or faint during the test.
Timing
Blood tests like the EBV test typically only take five to 10 minutes.
Typically the results for the EBV test will be available within three days.
Location
You may be able to get an EBV antibody test right at your doctors office.
Food and Drink
Fasting is not required before an EBV antibody test.
it’s possible for you to eat and drink as usual both before and after the test.
As they select a vein to draw from, they might ask you to make a fist.
The technician will clean and sanitize the area to prevent infection before inserting a needle.
Once the needle has been inserted, they will ask you to release your fist.
You may feel nothing during this procedure, or you may feel a slight pinch.
The whole process should take no longer than 10 minutes.
Some people choose to look away if they feel uneasy about having blood drawn.
You should then be allowed to leave.
After the Test
You may have some soreness or bruising after a blood test.
Applying ice can help with this, and it should go away within a couple of days.
Interpreting Results
Your EBV antibody test results should be available within three days.
The results can show if you are susceptible to mono, meaning you dont have the antibodies.
Your doctor will be able to prescribe medication to help you recover.
This virus is a common cause of mono.
This is performed as a blood draw from a vein.
A positive result means you have a current or past infection with EBV.
A negative result may be seen early in the infection.
Infectious mononucleosis takes time to go away, but its a common and treatable condition.
With your doctors help, you should be back to health in no time.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Epstein-Barr virus and infectious mononucleosis.
MedlinePlus.Epstein-Barr virus antibody test.
University of Michigan Health.Mononucleosis tests.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Epstein-Barr virus laboratory testing.
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.Blood tests.
