Monospot

A rapid heterophile antibody agglutination test performed on serum to support the diagnosis of Epstein–Barr virus-associated infectious mononucleosis by detecting nonspecific heterophile antibodies produced during acute infection.

Causes of positive heterophile antibody response

• Epstein–Barr virus infection: Acute infectious mononucleosis

• Other viral infections

  • Cytomegalovirus (CMV)

  • Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)

  • Rubella virus

  • Hepatitis viruses

• Rare false-positive reactions due to other immune activation states