A rapid mononucleosis or ‘mono’ test is used for the qualitative detection of infectious mononucleosis antibodies (Epstein-Barr virus) in whole blood, serum or plasma. The test is performed by collecting a blood sample from the patient experiencing symptoms suggestive of mononucleosis.

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The test is performed in minutes and can be conducted on nearly any age patient. It takes approximately 5-10 minutes to process.

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The test is fairly accurate for detecting the virus (usually 71%-90%) but can produce a false negative since some patients do not produce the antibodies that the test detects. The test result can also be false-negative if testing was conducted too soon. The window for testing is generally 1-2 weeks after illness/symptoms have started. Your healthcare provider may repeat the test to make sure you actually have mono.

 

Common symptoms of mononucleosis

• extreme fatigue.

• fever.

• sore throat.

• head and body aches.

• swollen lymph nodes in the neck and armpits.

• swollen liver or spleen or both.

• rash