Paul bunnell test

Definition The mononucleosis spot test looks for 2 antibodies in the blood. These antibodies appear during or after an infection with the virus that causes mononucleosis, or mono. Alternative Names Monospot test; Heterophile antibody test; Heterophile agglutination test; Paul-Bunnell test; Forssman antibody test How the Test is Performed A blood sample is needed. How to Prepare for the Test No special preparation is necessary. How the Test will Feel When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain. Others feel only a prick or stinging. Afterward, there may be some throbbing or a slight bruise. This soon goes away. Why the Test is Performed The mononucleosis spot test is done when symptoms of mononucleosis are present. Common symptoms include: • Fatigue • Fever • Large spleen (possibly) • Sore throat • Tender lymph nodes along the back of the neck This test looks for antibodies called heterophile antibodies which form in the body during the infection. Normal Results A negative test means there were no heterophile antibodies detected. Most of the time this means you do not have infectious mononucleosis. Sometimes, the test may be negative because it was done too soon (within 1 to 2 weeks) after the illness started. Your health care provider may repeat the test to make sure you do not have mono. What Abnormal Results Mean A positive test means heterophile antibodies are present. These are most often a sign of mononucleosis. Your provider will also con...

Infectious mononucleosis should be suspected in patients 10 to 30 years of age who present with sore throat and significant fatigue, palatal petechiae, posterior cervical or auricular adenopathy, marked adenopathy, or inguinal adenopathy. An atypical lymphocytosis of at least 20 percent or atypical lymphocytosis of at least 10 percent plus lymphocytosis of at least 50 percent strongly supports the diagnosis, as does a positive heterophile antibody test. False-negative results of heterophile antibody tests are relatively common early in the course of infection. Patients with negative results may have another infection, such as toxoplasmosis, streptococcal infection, cytomegalovirus infection, or another viral infection. Symptomatic treatment, the mainstay of care, includes adequate hydration, analgesics, antipyretics, and adequate rest. Bed rest should not be enforced, and the patient’s energy level should guide activity. Corticosteroids, acyclovir, and antihistamines are not recommended for routine treatment of infectious mononucleosis, although corticosteroids may benefit patients with respiratory compromise or severe pharyngeal edema. Patients with infectious mononucleosis should be withdrawn from contact or collision sports for at least four weeks after the onset of symptoms. Fatigue, myalgias, and need for sleep may persist for several months after the acute infection has resolved. Infectious mononucleosis is a clinical syndrome caused by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) that ...

The Paul Bunnell test is used to screen for Infectious Mononucleosis (IM), which is seen most commonly in adolescents and young adults. IM is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. This infects B-lymphocytes which subsequently produce a heterophile antibody which is identified through its reaction with the Paul-Bunnell antigen and is detected by a latex agglutination method. A negative test does not exclude IM. For higher sensitivity please request an EBV IgM assay.

A commercial Monospot test Purpose rapid test for infectious mononucleosis The mononuclear spot test or monospot test, a form of the heterophile antibody test, Paul–Bunnell test. The Medical uses [ ] It is indicated as a confirmatory test when a physician suspects EBV, typically in the presence of clinical features such as fever, malaise, pharyngitis, tender lymphadenopathy (especially posterior cervical; often called "tender glands") and In the case of delayed or absent [ citation needed] Usefulness [ ] One source states that the However, the Timing [ ] It will generally not be positive during the 4–6 week incubation period before the onset of symptoms. The highest amount of heterophile antibodies occurs 2 to 5 weeks after the onset of symptoms. Process [ ] The test is usually performed using commercially available test kits which detect the reaction of heterophile antibodies in a person's blood sample with horse or cow red blood cell antigens. These test kits work on the principles of Manual versions of the test rely on the agglutination of horse erythrocytes by heterophile antibodies in patient serum. Heterophile means it reacts with proteins across species lines. [ citation needed] A 20% suspension of horse red cells is used in an isotonic 3–8% sodium citrate formulation. One drop of the patient's serum to be tested is mixed on an opal glass slide with one drop of a particulate suspension of guinea-pig kidney stroma, and a suspension of ox red cell stroma; sera and sus...

Notes The heterophile antibody response to Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) that gives a positive result is usually detectable between the 5th and 10th day of illness, reaching a peak in the second to third week and persisting for several months. In the presence of abnormal results or atypical cell flagging by the Infectious mononucleosis due to infectious agents other than EBV does not produce a heterophile antibody. It is also known that sometimes patients (particularly children) do not produce a heterophile antibody to EBV either, specifically this is up to 20% of adults and up to 50% of young children. If this occurs a positive diagnosis may be made by sending a sample to Microbiology for EBV serology. Test performed at GRH. Sample Requirements 4ml OR • The same EDTA sample may be used for FBC and the slide test. • The EDTA sample is only valid for 24 hours for the IM test • A clotted sample is valid for 7 days for the IM test Turnaround Time Next working day Reference Ranges N/A. The IM slide test will be reported as positive or negative. Time limit for add ons

Infectious mononucleosis causes a sore throat, enlarged lymph nodes, and fatigue. The throat may appear red and the tonsils covered with a whitish material. Mononucleosis and severe streptococcal tonsillitis appear quite similar. Unless there are other findings to suggest mononucleosis, a throat culture and blood studies may be necessary to make an accurate diagnosis. A negative test means there were no heterophile antibodies detected. Most of the time, this means you do not have infectious mononucleosis. Sometimes, the test may be negative because it was done too soon (within 1 to 2 weeks) after the illness started. Your health care provider may repeat the test to make sure you do not have mono. A positive test means heterophile antibodies are present. These are most often a sign of mononucleosis. Your provider will also consider other blood test results and your symptoms. 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. This is called a false-positive result, and it may occur in people with: • Hepatitis • Leukemia or lymphoma • Rubella • Systemic lupus erythematosus • Veins and arteries vary in size from one person to another and from one side of the body to the other. Obtaining a blood sample from some people may be more difficult than from others. Other risks associ...