The test kit includes everything, except blood lancets, needed to detect infectious mononucleosis heterophile antibodies in whole blood, serum or plasma. The disease is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus, which belongs to the herpes virus family. Typical symptoms are fever, sore throat and swollen lymph glands. In rare cases, also heart or central nervous system problems may occur.
The heterophile antibodies assayed by the test belong to the IgM class, and can be detected in 60-70 % of patients during the first week of symptoms.