Glandular fever screen

 

Alternative names, keywords

Paul Bunnell, infectious mononucleosis, Epstein-Barr virus, EBV.

Samples required

Clotted blood (gold cap, 5 mL tube) or

EDTA blood (purple cap/ black cap ring, 4 mL tube) - can be done on sample sent for FBC.

Smaller tubes are available for paediatric samples.

In suspected or confirmed COVID patients, glandular fever screening cannot be processed due to the high risk to staff during the testing process.

Please consider alternative tests available (EBV serology).

 

Test indications

Screening for infection with Epstein-Barr virus.

Reference range

Not applicable - see report.

Reports show that around 10% of adults and 50% of young children can have a negative IM screen despite showing many typical clinical symptoms.

Turnaround time

1 working day

Enquiries

Haematology