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A mono test is used to diagnose an infectious viral disease called mononucleosis. Mono can be caused by many different viruses, though EBV is the most common cause of mono.
Mono can affect anyone of any age, though it is most common and noticeable among adolescents and young adults. An estimated one in four teens and adults who get EBV will develop mono.
Your doctor may perform or order a mono test if you are experiencing symptoms of mono. Mono symptoms are highly similar to the flu and include fever, headache, sore throat, fatigue, rash, and swollen glands in the neck or armpits.
There are two types of mono tests: the monospot test and the EBV antibody test. The monospot test looks for certain mono antibodies in the blood, while the EBV test looks specifically for EBV antibodies. Both tests are performed as a blood draw, either from your finger or a vein in the arm. In some instances, a mono test may be combined with other tests such as a complete blood count or throat culture to confirm or rule out a mono diagnosis.
A mono test usually takes under five minutes to perform, as it involves a quick blood draw from your finger or arm using a small needle. Your blood sample is placed into a small tube or vial and usually analyzed within minutes to detect the presence of antibodies that indicate you have mono. A mono test requires no preparation but may produce mild side effects such as slight pain or bruising at the injection site, which usually resolves within a few minutes.
If your mono test results are positive, your doctor will talk to you about your available treatment options. In most instances, mono goes away on its own within a few weeks, though some people may experience lasting fatigue. Steps you can take to find relief from mono include getting plenty of rest, drinking lots of fluids, and using over-the-counter medicines to relieve symptoms, including headache and sore throat. Your doctor may recommend other effective remedies based on your symptoms.
The cost of a mono test is based on factors including test provider rates, geographical location, and whether or not this test is covered by your health insurance plan. Contact the mono test provider directly to learn more about applicable costs, or contact your health insurance provider to learn more about your benefits and coverage.
Mono testing is covered by many health insurance plans, especially if your doctor determines that this test is medically necessary based on your symptoms and health situation. Contact your health insurance provider directly to confirm whether it covers mono testing. Some mono test providers may also check your insurance benefits to confirm that your plan covers this test.
Anyone experiencing mono symptoms should get tested for this virus to confirm or rule out this diagnosis. Symptoms of mono are similar to those of the flu and include fever, sore throat, headache, fatigue, rash, and swollen glands in the neck and armpits. Anyone can get mono, though this virus is most common among teens and young adults.
A mono test is performed as a blood draw from your fingertip or a vein in the arm. Both procedures are highly similar to one another. The testing provider will prick your finger using a small needle and draw the blood into a small tube or vial during the fingertip test. To collect blood from a vein in the arm, the testing provider will insert a small needle into your arm to draw the blood into a small tube or vial.
A mono test is relatively quick and takes no more than five minutes, regardless of whether blood is drawn from your fingertip or arm. Mono tests generally require no preparation and produce no downtime . Though a mono test takes only a few minutes, your appointment may last longer if you are required to wait your turn. Contact the mono testing provider beforehand to confirm how long the test and your appointment will last.
Results from a mono test usually come back within five to ten minutes, though some mono test kits may require up to an hour to produce results. Ask the mono testing provider for more information regarding when your test results will come back. In most instances, you can expect to have your test results back on the same day you take the test.
A mono test can be performed by a healthcare professional at a pharmacy, urgent care clinic, walk-in lab, hospital, or doctor’s office. If your doctor suspects you may have mono, you may be tested on the spot or given a referral to a nearby provider that offers this service. You can also use Solv to find mono test providers in your area that offer same-day appointments and test results.
Mono tests are reliable and are shown to have an accuracy rate of between 95 and 100% . However, mono tests that specifically look for antibodies of the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) are known to produce fewer false negatives than tests that detect other types of antibodies . In some instances, false-positive results may occur in people who have caught certain diseases, including HIV, lymphoma, and rubella, as antibodies from these diseases can stay in the bloodstream for up to one year.
Solv is one of the easiest ways to book a mono test, as it compiles lists of the highest-rated mono test providers along with their contact information. Visit our Home page and enter “mono test” into the “What” field, then select your location from the “Where” dropdown menu to the right. Next, select the mono test provider of your choice from the list provided, then use the contact information to book a same-day appointment.
At this time, there are no at-home mono test kits available to diagnose mono in yourself or a loved one in the privacy of your home. This test requires a blood draw that must be performed by a trained and experienced medical professional. Some healthcare providers may visit your home to perform a mono test, but no test kits are available for self-testing at home.
Updated on Oct 25, 2024
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