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Infectious Mononucleosis

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Exams and Tests

A medical history and physical exam are the most important ways a doctor can diagnose mono. During the medical history and physical exam, your doctor will ask questions about your symptoms and possible exposure to the disease. Your doctor will also examine you for signs of the infection. This may include looking at your throat, checking your skin, and pressing on your abdomen.

Blood tests to help confirm the diagnosis include:

Recommended Related to Infectious Diseases

Understanding Scarlet Fever -- Treatment

To determine if your child has scarlet fever, your pediatrician will inspect your child, looking for the characteristic rash, characteristic changes on the tongue called "strawberry tongue," and at the throat. The doctor will swab the throat and send the swab to a lab to examine it for the presence of streptococcal bacteria. A rapid test is available.

Read the Understanding Scarlet Fever -- Treatment article > >

Other tests may be done if complications of mono occur or if the mononucleosis tests are negative.

  • Liver tests may be done to find out whether the virus has affected your liver.
  • If the mononucleosis test is negative, your doctor may test you for an infection with cytomegalovirus (CMV) or other organisms. CMV can cause a mono-like illness.

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: September 19, 2007
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.
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