heterophil test
Noun: A diagnostic blood test that detects the presence of heterophil antibodies, which are antibodies that react with antigens from a different species. In this specific test, a positive reaction, indicated by the agglutination (clumping) of sheep red blood cells, is used as an indicator for infectious mononucleosis.
The heterophil test is primarily used in medical diagnostics. * It is ordered when a patient presents symptoms suggestive of infectious mononucleosis, such as fever, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, and fatigue. * The test is performed on a sample of the patient's blood serum. * A laboratory technician observes if the serum causes sheep red blood cells to agglutinate. Visible clumping is a positive result.
- The doctor ordered a heterophil test to confirm her suspicion of mono.
- A positive heterophil test, along with the patient's clinical symptoms, is diagnostic for infectious mononucleosis.
- The heterophil test is also known as the Monospot test, which is a rapid commercial version of it.
- The test is most accurate when performed during the second to fourth week of illness, as heterophil antibody levels may not be detectable early in the infection.
- A negative heterophil test does not completely rule out infectious mononucleosis, especially in children, as they may produce fewer heterophil antibodies. In such cases, tests for Epstein-Barr virus-specific antibodies may be required.
- Monospot test: A common, rapid slide agglutination test that is a specific type of heterophil test used for diagnosing infectious mononucleosis.
- Paul-Bunnell test: The original, classic heterophil antibody test upon which modern versions like the Monospot are based.
- Monospot test (a specific brand/type)
- Heterophil antibody test
- Infectious mononucleosis test
The term specifically refers to the medical laboratory procedure. The core concept is the detection of heterophil antibodies, which are a type of immunoglobulin produced in response to Epstein-Barr virus infection but which cross-react with antigens on sheep, horse, or bovine red blood cells.
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a blood test to detect heterophil antibodies that agglutinate sheep red blood cells; positive result indicates infectious mononucleosis
