Mononucleosis is a viral condition that primarily infects adolescents and is spread through saliva transfer. The monospot test and the EBV antibody test are used to detect the virus. Symptoms include fever, lethargy, weight loss, and enlarged spleen. The tests help limit future infections and monitor potential side effects.
There are two primary tests for mononucleosis: the monospot test and the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) antibody test. These tests detect the presence of mononucleosis (mono), a condition that primarily infects individuals during adolescence. Although the virus that causes mono is rarely life-threatening, the infectivity of mono makes it necessary to confirm whether or not a patient has the condition. Mononucleosis tests allow you to isolate a patient at home before she can infect others.
Mononucleosis is a condition caused by the Epstein-Barr virus, a type of herpes. Spread through saliva transfer, the incubation time is between four and seven weeks; a patient is contagious during this period. Symptoms such as fever, lethargy, weight loss, and enlarged spleen last two to three weeks. Because the spleen is sensitive during this time, doctors advise against physical activity, especially sports. Even after the symptoms have resolved, the virus remains in the patient’s body for the rest of their life.
If a patient presents with the symptoms described in the previous paragraph, the doctor can choose between two mononucleosis tests: the monospot test and the EBV antibody test. For the monospot test, a doctor mixes a patient’s blood sample with tissue from a horse and a guinea pig. If the red blood cells from the patient group make it to the guinea pig tissue, the test is positive. Used only after a patient develops symptoms, the monospot test is usually 90% accurate; false negatives can occur, especially in young children.
EBV antibody testing is considered a backup if the monospot test is negative. A doctor may perform EBV antibody testing at the same time as other tests to diagnose conditions with symptoms similar to mono. The test also involves drawing blood. The test measures the presence of antibodies, proteins that the body specifically produces during EBV infection. While the test takes longer to produce a result, its value lies in its ability to diagnose infection even after symptoms have resolved; those with a recent infection will still want to refrain from strenuous activity as the virus can affect the liver and spleen.
One value that both mononucleosis tests share is their role in limiting future infections. Mono is extremely contagious and if a patient knows she has the virus she can avoid infecting others during a rest period at home. Additionally, a positive mononucleosis test result prompts a doctor to monitor the development of any of the condition’s serious side effects.
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