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Test Code LAB482 Heterophile Antibody (Monospot), Serum

Infectious

Performing Laboratory

Barnes-Jewish Hospital Laboratory

Methodology

Multiplex Flow Immunoassay

Literature Reference:

EBV IgM package insert, Bio-Rad Laboratories, March, 2019

Specimen Requirements

Specimen Type: Serum
Container/Tube: Plain red top, Red/Grey SST or Gold SST

Specimen Volume: Full tube, minimum volume 1mL

 

Day(s) Test Set Up

Monday through Sunday 0700 - 1300

Turnaround Time:
STAT: 1 hour from receipt in laboratory

Routine: 4 hours

Test Classification and CPT Coding

86308 Heterophile Ab

Reference Values

Reference: Negative

Interpretive Data

Reported as Negative, Equivocal, Positive

Heterophile antibodies are short-lived. Therefore, a positive test is consistent with recent infection.

Heterophile antibodies fail to develop in approximately 15% of adults and in a higher percentage of children. Epstein-Barr virus specific serology (IgG and IgM) testing should be performed to exclude disease in patients with a negative antibody test.

Literature References:

1. National Center for Infectious Diseases (homepage on the Internet). Atlanta:CDC; Epstein-barr virus and infectious mononucleosis, 2002 (cited 2002 Oct 26). Available from URL: www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/ebv.htm.

2. Stevens, CD, Clinical immunology and serology: a laboratory perspective, 2nd ed. Philadelphia: FA Davis; 2003.

Specimen Transport Temperature

Ambient

Additional Information

For BJH Laboratory Use Only

Alternate Tube: None

Analyte Stability:

Specimens stored at 2°C - 8°C for 7 days or frozen at -20°C for 6 months are acceptable for testing.

Laboratory Processing Instructions:
Test performed in BJH Core Lab. Place on the automated line for processing.  If the automated line is down, then centrifuge specimen 10 minutes at 2,000 rpm. Separate the serum from the RBCs and refrigerate until testing can be performed.

LOINC Code Information

Name LOINC-Code
EBV Heterophile Antibody 6425-3