The monospot test is not indicated for patients under the age of four years old as false-negative test results are unacceptably high. Sensitivity rates for this age group range from 27 to 76%. [3][7].
A measurement of reactive lympocytes is also part of this test. In short, the monospot blood test looks to see if there are more white blood cells of different types than there should be. A monospot blood test can come back as normal, but the disease can still be present.
The use of the monospot test may be indicated in a patient presenting with complaints that are consistent with IM. Signs and symptoms of IM include sore throat, fever, malaise, tonsillitis, lymphadenopathy, and fatigue.
The specificity of the monospot test is considered to be quite reliable and has a specificity rate between 95 to 100%.[5]
In accordance with section 4554 of the Balanced Budget Act of 1997, CMS entered into negotiated rulemaking proceedings to develop national coverage determinations (NCDs) for clinical diagnostic laboratory services. Under the negotiations, we developed 23 laboratory NCDs. These NCDs are different than most other Medicare NCDs in that they include lists of ICD-9-CM codes. All codes are included on one of three lists--covered codes, not covered codes, and codes that do not support medical necessity. The NCDs were published under the Administrative Procedures Act in the Federal Register of November 23, 2001.
The NCDs were published under the Administrative Procedures Act in the Federal Register of November 23, 2001. CMS announced a mechanism for keeping the NCD code list current.
This is because the antibodies can take longer to develop in some people than others for an unknown reason. If the monospot blood test continues to be negative, then the next step in the diagnostic process would be to screen for an EBV infection.
Because the test looks for heterophile antibodies that have developed in the presence of the infectious mononucleosis, a suspicion of the disease and a negative test result may have a doctor order a second test 7 days later to completely rule out the possibility of mononucleosis.
It is more common to have this test ordered for teens and young adults because of their higher risks of exposure to infectious mononucleosis. If there are symptoms that mimic the cold or flu but seem to get worse instead of better, then it would be time to discuss this test with a doctor.
The goal is to determine if there are more white blood cells than there should be . A measurement of reactive lympocytes is also part of this test. In short, the monospot blood test looks to see if there are more white blood cells of different types than there should be.
It may stay in remission and never activate again or it may activate after just 30-60 days after the symptoms of mononucleosis subside. Most relapses are symptom-free. If symptoms do occur, the same treatment profile is generally used.
What if the test is positive? A positive monospot blood test generally means that someone has an active case of infectious mononucleosis. This is a rapid test that will generally produce same day results. There are no specific guidelines to follow for the general population, although a doctor may order instructions for the test based on ...
It may take up to 4 months for the body to fight off the infection and sometimes limited activities are required because the disease can cause the liver to swell. The spleen may also be affected. Only in rare instances when the heart or central nervous system are affected will more serious health issues arise.
A positive test in the presence of consistent clinical and/or hematologic findings confirms the diagnosis of infectious mononucleosis. Approximately 10% of mononucleosis syndromes are heterophil-negative. In some of these, antibody to specific Epstein-Barr viral antigen can be demonstrated. Others may be due to CMV, HSV, or toxoplasmosis. Although this classic test has excellent specificity, false-positive tests can occur and may lead to diagnostic confusion.
Rare patients may have positive heterophil agglutinins after a negative initial test. Ten percent of cases of true EBV mononucleosis may have negative heterophil agglutinins. These may be diagnosed with EBV specific tests.
Others may be due to CMV, HSV, or toxoplasmosis. Although this classic test has excellent specificity, false-positive tests can occur and may lead to diagnostic confusion.