Heterophile Antibody Screening Test (Serum)
This test helps detect antibodies that may cross-react with certain proteins, often used to evaluate immune responses or rule out conditions like infectious mononucleosis (mono).
["This test may help diagnose or monitor certain infections or immune conditions."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 5214-2
- Short code
- Deprecated Heteroph Ab Ser Ql LA
- Synonyms
- Deprecated Heteroph Ab Ser Ql LA
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- la
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What Is a Heterophile Antibody?
Heterophile antibodies are a type of antibody that can react with antigens from different species, including humans and animals. These antibodies are often studied in the context of diagnosing infectious diseases, particularly those caused by viruses like Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), which can lead to mono. The test looks for these antibodies in your blood to see if your immune system has been exposed to such infections.
How Is the Test Performed?
Your blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm and sent to a lab. The serum (liquid part of blood without clots) is then tested using an immunoassay method to detect the presence of heterophile antibodies. Results are qualitative (positive or negative) rather than quantitative.
Why Might You Need This Test?
This test is often used as part of a broader evaluation for infectious mononucleosis (mono), especially when symptoms like fever, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes are present. It can also be used in other contexts where heterophile antibodies are relevant, such as monitoring immune responses or diagnosing certain autoimmune conditions.
What Do the Results Mean?
A positive result indicates the presence of heterophile antibodies, which may suggest exposure to certain infections like EBV. However, a positive result does not definitively diagnose mono or any other specific condition. Your healthcare provider will interpret the results in the context of your symptoms and medical history.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance: Heterophile Antibodies and Infectious Mononucleosis
Short name
Heterophile Antibody Screen
Frequently asked questions
What are heterophile antibodies?
Can a positive heterophile antibody test confirm mono?
How long does it take to get results from this test?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
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Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy