Which test is used to screen for mononucleosis by detecting a specific antibody?

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Multiple Choice

Which test is used to screen for mononucleosis by detecting a specific antibody?

Explanation:
Detecting heterophile antibodies is what screening for mononucleosis relies on. The Monospot test is a rapid assay that looks for these antibodies produced during Epstein-Barr virus infection. When present, they cause agglutination of animal red blood cells, giving a positive result that supports mononucleosis as the diagnosis. Because these antibodies appear during acute EBV infection, a positive Monospot points toward mono and leads to confirmatory EBV-specific serology (such as VCA IgM/IgG and EBNA). A negative Monospot doesn’t completely rule out infection, especially early on or in some children, so EBV-specific testing may still be needed if clinical suspicion remains. Other tests like liver function tests, coagulation studies, or urinalysis may be abnormal in mono but do not screen for the EBV antibody response and thus aren’t used for screening mono.

Detecting heterophile antibodies is what screening for mononucleosis relies on. The Monospot test is a rapid assay that looks for these antibodies produced during Epstein-Barr virus infection. When present, they cause agglutination of animal red blood cells, giving a positive result that supports mononucleosis as the diagnosis. Because these antibodies appear during acute EBV infection, a positive Monospot points toward mono and leads to confirmatory EBV-specific serology (such as VCA IgM/IgG and EBNA). A negative Monospot doesn’t completely rule out infection, especially early on or in some children, so EBV-specific testing may still be needed if clinical suspicion remains. Other tests like liver function tests, coagulation studies, or urinalysis may be abnormal in mono but do not screen for the EBV antibody response and thus aren’t used for screening mono.

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