What Is a Mono Blood Test?

Q: What Is a Mono Blood Test?

Mononucleosis (mono) testing explained: Monospot test, EBV antibody panel, and atypical lymphocytes on CBC. Symptoms include fatigue, sore throat, and swollen glands.

Mono (infectious mononucleosis) is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Testing confirms the diagnosis.

Types of Mono Tests

Monospot (heterophile antibody): rapid test, detects heterophile antibodies; most accurate 2–6 weeks after symptoms start
EBV antibody panel: more accurate; detects VCA-IgM (acute), VCA-IgG (past infection), EBNA (past infection)
CBC: shows atypical lymphocytes and elevated WBC

Symptoms of Mono

Severe fatigue
Sore throat
Fever
Swollen lymph nodes
Swollen spleen (avoid contact sports)

Source: NLM MedlinePlus, American Association for Clinical Chemistry.

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