Laboratory testing for infectious mononucleosis

Preview

Infectious mononucleosis can be diagnosed with reasonable accuracy by the presence of a typical clinical picture coupled with atypical lymphocytosis and heterophil antibodies. In patients with a negative heterophil antibody test, determination of specific Epstein-Barr virus antibodies is needed. However, even with improved laboratory techniques, the infection can sometimes be difficult to diagnose, since tests may give equivocal, false-positive, or false-negative results. Dr Pochedly describes pitfalls encountered in interpreting serologic findings and establishing the diagnosis of infectious mononucleosis.