![cover image](https://wikiwandv2-19431.kxcdn.com/_next/image?url=https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/8c/Immunochromatographic_rapid_test_for_infectious_mononucleosis_-_heterophile_antibody_test.jpg/640px-Immunochromatographic_rapid_test_for_infectious_mononucleosis_-_heterophile_antibody_test.jpg&w=640&q=50)
Heterophile antibody test
Diagnosistic test for infectious mononucleosis / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The mononuclear spot test or monospot test, a form of the heterophile antibody test,[1] is a rapid test for infectious mononucleosis due to Epstein–Barr virus (EBV). It is an improvement on the Paul–Bunnell test.[2] The test is specific for heterophile antibodies produced by the human immune system in response to EBV infection. Commercially available test kits are 70–92% sensitive and 96–100% specific, with a lower sensitivity in the first two weeks after clinical symptoms begin.[3][4]
Quick Facts Synonyms, Purpose ...
Heterophile antibody test | |
---|---|
![]() A commercial immunochromatographic test kit for the heterophile antibody test. Solid lines are visible at the "C" (control) and "T" (test) positions, indicating a positive result. | |
Synonyms | Monospot test |
Purpose | rapid test for infectious mononucleosis |
Close
The United States Center for Disease Control deems the monospot test not to be very useful.[5]