Diagnostic Tests For Mono
Mononucleosis is an infectious disease, which spreads through the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). The virus can remain active for weeks or months. Its diagnosis can be done through the symptoms experiences by the infected person. But the confirmation of mono infection is given only after the blood tests.
There are two different types of tests to diagnose the Mononucleosis- monospot antibody tests and heterophile test. These tests are performed on the blood smears of the infected person. The test is necessary to identify the appearance of lymphocytes in blood, which signals the Mononucleosis infection. A patient needs to go through both the tests to start the proper treatment for Mononucleosis infection.
Monospot Antibody Test
It is most popular test for the diagnosis of Mononucleosis. The spot test helps to detect the antibodies or proteins in the blood that make the body susceptible against the Epstein-Barr virus. It can reveal if you are affected by Mononucleosis recently. This test depends upon the level of red blood cells. The Mononucleosis infection takes some time to develop after the infection, so the doctor may suggest you to go through the tests after regular intervals. More than 80% of the tests performed after some days of infection are successful.
In this test, a blood sample is taken from the patient's finger tip on which is testis performed to identify the virus. The immediate result from this test is usually accurate. If the test results positive which means the blood sample contains the Mononucleosis virus, the EBV test is administered. The monospot test is used to identify the virus within three months of infection.
Heterophile Test
This test is performed to detect the level of lymphocyte in the host's blood. Its unusual existence in blood signalizes the mononucleosis infection. After the confirmation of mononucleosis through both the tests, EBV test is performed.
Epstein-Barr Virus Test
Epstein-Barr virus antibody is helpful to diagnose the mononucleosis when a person is experiencing the symptoms and have gone through the primary tests. The test is performed on the blood samples taken from the host's hand or the elbow. While testing the antibody level in body is measured. The antibodies help the body to fight against the bacteria or virus, which are harmful for immune deficiency.
EBV also ordered when a pregnant women showing flu-symptoms. So the doctor can confirm performing Epstein-Barr virus test whether the patient is not infected by mono. The general symptoms of EBV infection include fever, fatigue, enlarged spleen and sore throat.
Treatment of Mononucleosis
Mono infection can be limited by some supportive treatments. These treatments are meant to control the mono symptoms. The general precaution for a mono infected patient is to avoid direct contact with others.
Acetaminophen is taken to reduce the fever and its pains. Gargling with saltwater will mild the sore throat. The patient also needs to take bed rest and avoid the exercising tasks and sports.
Mononucleosis is not as infectious as it is thought. Usually, it is transmitted through the saliva of the host, and it can be controlled through proper treatment. Any person infected by Mononucleosis must seek the doctor's suggestions.
