At a Glance Why Get Tested? To be screened for infectious
mononucleosis (glandular fever) When to Get Tested? If you have
symptoms of mononucleosis, including fever, sore throat, swollen
glands, and fatigue. A blood sample drawn from a vein in your
arm. The Test Sample What is being tested? The Monospot test
detects heterophile antibodies. These antibodies are called
"heterophile" because they react with the cells of other species
of animals. The antibodies are made in response to an infection
by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and, much less commonly, in response
to some other viruses or non-infectious conditions. EBV causes
infectious mononucleosis (glandular fever), a self-limiting
disease. Infectious mononucleosis is characterised by the
presence of unusual white blood cells (atypical lymphocytes) in
an infected person. Patients generally have these symptoms:
fever, sore throat, swollen glands, and fatigue. About 70% - 80%
of patients with infectious mononucleosis produce heterophile
antibodies. How is the sampl