What are mononucleosis (mono) tests?
Mononucleosis (mono) is an infectious disease caused by a virus. The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is the most common cause of mono, but other viruses can also cause the disease.
EBV is a type of herpes virus and is very common. Most Americans have been infected with EBV by the age of 40 but may never get symptoms of mono.
Young children infected with EBV usually have mild symptoms or no symptoms at all.
Teens and young adults, though, are more likely to get mono and experience noticeable symptoms. In fact, at least one out of four teens and adults who get EBV will develop mono.
Mono can cause symptoms similar to those of the flu. Mono is rarely serious, but symptoms can linger for weeks or months. Mono is sometimes called the kissing disease because it is spread through saliva. You can also get mono if you share a drinking glass, food, or utensils with an a person who has mono.
Types of mono tests include:
Monospot test. This test looks for specific antibodies in the blood. These antibodies show up during or after during certain infections, including mono.
EBV antibody test. This test looks for EBV antibodies, the main cause of mono. There are different types of EBV antibodies. If certain types of antibodies are found, it may mean you were infected recently. Other types of EBV antibodies may mean you were infected in the past.
Other names: monospot test, mononuclear heterophile test, heterophile antibody test, EBV antibody test, Epstein-Barr virus antibodies
