What does a positive mono spot mean?
A positive test result means that the antibodies charged with attacking the Epstein-Barr virus were detected in your blood and that you most likely carry the virus. If your doctor determines you that have mononucleosis, they’ll likely tell you to rest, drink plenty of fluids, and take a pain reliever to lower a fever.
What does it mean if you test positive for EBV antibodies?
Past infection. If you have antibodies to both VCA and EBNA, it means you’ve had an infection in the past. It could have been months or years ago. Most adults have these antibodies, because over 90% of adults have been infected with EBV at some point.
How accurate is the mono spot test?
Though the monospot test is considered to be a very specific test, the sensitivity falls in the range of 70 to 90% and is particularly weak among children under the age of four years old.
Can a positive mono test be something else?
In rare cases, the test is positive even though you do not have mono. This is called a false-positive result, and it may occur in people with: Hepatitis. Leukemia or lymphoma.
What is the difference between Epstein-Barr and mono?
Epstein-Barr is the virus that causes mononucleosis. You might know this disease better by its nickname, “mono.” It’s also called the “kissing disease” because of one way you can spread it to someone else. Even though Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) isn’t a household name, you’ve probably been infected without knowing it.
Will a monospot test always be positive?
A small number of people with mononucleosis may never have a positive test. The highest number of antibodies occurs 2 to 5 weeks after mono begins. They may be present for up to 1 year. In rare cases, the test is positive even though you do not have mono.
Can you test positive for mono and not have it?
Can a positive mono test mean something else?
Are false positives for mono common?
In rare cases, the test is positive even though you do not have mono. This is called a false-positive result, and it may occur in people with: Hepatitis.
What can cause false-positive EBV?
The false positives could be the result of EBV reactivation due to cross-reactions with IgM of other viruses or to the reappearance of EBV IgM due to polyclonal activation induced by cytomegalovirus, adenovirus, hepatitis A virus, Toxoplasma gondii, rubella virus, or other as yet unknown agents that produce an …
Can a mono diagnosis be wrong?
Monospot tests can be false-negative about 10% to 15% of the time, particularly in the early stages of the illness. You stand an approximately 25% chance of getting a false-negative test result if you are tested within the first week of symptom onset.
Is mono caused by EBV?
The Epstein-Barr virus is a kind of herpes virus that spreads mainly via saliva, for instance by kissing or drinking from the same glass. It is the cause of mononucleosis, sometimes known as glandular fever. Initial infections may cause few, if any, symptoms, but once the virus gets into immune cells called B cells, it lurks in them permanently.
How to interpret EBV testing?
The presence of VCA IgG antibodies indicates that an EBV infection has occurred at some time recently or in the past.
How do doctors test for mono?
– Your doctor will also likely ask you how long your symptoms have lasted, whether you’ve been exposed to anyone with mono, and how severe each of your symptoms are. – Your doctor will probably do a cursory abdominal exam to see if your spleen or liver feels enlarged or tender. – Your doctor may also test you for strep because the symptoms are similar.
What are the EBV ranges that are normal?
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