Mononucleosis Tests

Test Overview

Mononucleosis tests are blood tests to look for antibodies that indicate mononucleosis (mono), which is usually caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). The antibodies are made by the immune system to fight an infection.

Mono tests include:

• Rapid mono test. This test detects a type of antibody that forms during certain infections. Rapid mono testing can usually detect antibodies about a week after a person is infected.
• EBV antibody test. This can detect different types of antibodies to help determine whether you were infected recently or sometime in the past.