Mononucleosis Tests

EBV Antibody Test, Epstein-Barr Antibody Test, Monospot Test

What Affects the Test

Reasons you may not be able to have the test or why the results may not be helpful include:

• Having an EBV antibody test within the first few weeks of becoming infected with EBV. This may lead to a false-negative result. If the first test does not indicate mono but you still have symptoms, the test may be repeated.
• Other infection or disease, such as cytomegalovirus (CMV), leukemia or lymphoma, rubella, hepatitis, or lupus. Although the symptoms of these infections and diseases are similar to mono, the monospot test usually will be negative.

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Author:	Douglas Dana Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS	Last Updated: February 21, 2008
Medical Review:	Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics W. David Colby IV, MSc, MD, FRCPC - Infectious Disease
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