Mononucleosis, or “mono” for short, is a common infectious disease caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). It is characterized by fatigue, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, and fever. Mono is typically diagnosed based on a person’s symptoms and a physical examination. However, a blood test can be used to confirm the diagnosis.
There are two main types of blood tests that can be used to check for mono: the heterophile antibody test and the EBV-specific antibody test. The heterophile antibody test is a screening test that detects antibodies that are produced by the body in response to the Epstein-Barr virus. The EBV-specific antibody test is a more specific test that detects antibodies that are specific to the Epstein-Barr virus.