Infectious mononucleosis (heterophile antibody) test
Quick answer: This blood test looks for heterophile antibodies that the body often makes during infectious mononucleosis (glandular fever). Doctors order it when you have fever, sore throat, swollen glands and tiredness, especially in teenagers and young adults.
- SampleBlood
- TakesAbout 5 minutes
- Before the testNo special preparation is usually needed.
How the test is done
- 1A nurse confirms your details
- 2A vein near your elbow is cleaned, or a finger is pricked
- 3A small amount of blood is collected
- 4The lab or a rapid card checks for heterophile antibodies
What your results can mean
Reading your report
It can be negative early in the illness or in young children, so your doctor may order EBV antibody tests too.
If the result is outside the usual range
A positive result can point to glandular fever caused by Epstein-Barr virus. It can be negative in the first week of illness or in young children, so a negative result does not rule it out.
Who usually has this test
Teenagers and young adults with fever, sore throat, swollen neck glands and tiredness.
Risks and aftercare
Nothing special for the test itself; rest and fluids help most people recover from glandular fever.
Names and options
Also called: mono test, Paul Bunnell test, monospot, heterophile antibody test, glandular fever test
Options
- Infectious mononucleosis agglutination
- Heterophile antibody
- Paul Bunnell test
Listed by the hospital as
- INFECTIOUS MONONUCLEOSIS (AGG), SERUM
- HETEROPHILE ANTIBODY, SERUM
- PAUL BUNNEL TEST
Questions about this test
Is the monospot test the same as this test?
Yes. Monospot is a common name for the heterophile antibody test for infectious mononucleosis.
Why can the test be negative early on?
Heterophile antibodies can take a week or more to appear. Your doctor may repeat the test or order EBV antibody tests.
Can young children be tested this way?
The test often misses infection in children under about four. EBV antibody tests are more useful in this age group.
Related tests
Tamara Hospital & IVF Centre, Rajajinagar
34/3, 10th Cross Road, opp. Vardhaka Sardar Patel School, 1st N Block, 2nd Stage, Rajajinagar, Bengaluru 560010
The hospital is open 24 hours. Call before you come to check the timing for your scan or sample collection.
Get directions ↗IVF Pulse fertility care at Tamara Hospital →
Reception
Waiting area
IVF lab
This page explains each test in general terms so you know what to expect. It is not medical advice: your doctor decides which tests you need and what your results mean. Reference ranges differ between laboratories. Updated 4 November 2026.