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Infectious mononucleosis heterophile antibody

Alternative Names/Synonyms	Detection of infectious mononucleosis heterophile antibodies (IgM)
Laboratory	Microbiology
Sub-section	Serology
Specimen Type	○ Whole blood ○ Serum

Other Information

○ IgM antibodies appear in serum of 85-90% of patients with infectious mononucleosis within 2-3 weeks of illness onset

Specimen Requirements (Tube Type)

○ Serum separator tube (clotted blood)

Collection Requirements

○ Decontaminate skin with 70% alcohol followed by iodine or chlorhexidine, collect at least 5 mL of blood

Sample Stability

Refer to section Sample Processing / Delivery

Referral Laboratory

In-house

Routine Turnaround Time

○ ~ 24 hours up to 3 days on the weekends

Laboratory Contact Information

416-586-4800 extension 4432

Approval Required

Sample Processing / Delivery

○ Label specimen container. Place specimens in biohazard bag and seal.

○ Specimens can be stored at room temperature (20-25˚C) after collection and transported to the UHN/SH Microbiology Laboratory ASAP.