Paul Bunnell (Monospot)
Private Paul Bunnell (Monospot) testing in London for £50, measuring one heterophile antibody marker with results in around 1–2 days.
Turnaround time
1-2 business days
Biomarkers count
1
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Overview of the Paul Bunnell (Monospot) Test
The Paul Bunnell, also known as the Monospot test, detects heterophile antibodies commonly produced during infectious mononucleosis, usually caused by Epstein-Barr virus.
The test assesses 1 specialist infection biomarker: Paul Bunnell (Monospot).
Epstein-Barr virus, or EBV, is extremely common.
Many people become infected during childhood and develop few or no obvious symptoms.
When primary infection occurs during adolescence or adulthood, EBV can cause glandular fever, also known as infectious mononucleosis.
Typical symptoms include prolonged fatigue, fever, sore throat and enlarged lymph nodes.
The Paul Bunnell test does not detect EBV directly.
Instead, it detects heterophile antibodies generated by the immune response during many cases of acute glandular fever.
The test can therefore provide a rapid supportive result when the clinical picture is compatible.
Its limitations are important.
Heterophile antibodies may not be detectable during the earliest stage of illness.
False-negative results are also more common in young children.
A negative Monospot result therefore does not completely exclude EBV infection.
Where clinical suspicion remains strong, EBV-specific antibody testing can provide more detailed information.
This usually considers antibodies such as Viral Capsid Antigen IgM, Viral Capsid Antigen IgG and EBV Nuclear Antigen antibodies.
A positive Monospot result is strongly supportive of infectious mononucleosis in the correct clinical context, but rare false-positive reactions can occur.
Full Blood Count and Liver Function Tests are often useful alongside the test because glandular fever can affect lymphocyte patterns and liver enzymes.
What Does the Paul Bunnell (Monospot) Test Check?
The test detects heterophile antibodies commonly produced during acute infectious mononucleosis. This test measures 1 specialist biomarker.
Paul Bunnell (Monospot)
Detects heterophile antibodies associated with infectious mononucleosis, most commonly caused by primary Epstein-Barr virus infection.
Who May Benefit From the Paul Bunnell (Monospot) Test?
Testing can be useful when symptoms suggest glandular fever, particularly in adolescents and adults.
People with prolonged severe fatigue and sore throat - This combination is common during infectious mononucleosis.
People with enlarged neck lymph nodes - Cervical lymphadenopathy commonly accompanies EBV infection.
People with persistent fever and viral-type symptoms - Monospot testing can support the diagnosis where glandular fever is suspected.
People with markedly enlarged tonsils - Acute EBV infection can cause significant tonsillitis.
People with abnormal liver enzymes during a viral illness - Mild hepatitis can occur with glandular fever.
People with atypical lymphocytes on a Full Blood Count - This blood-film pattern can support EBV investigation.
People exposed to somebody with glandular fever who develop compatible symptoms - EBV commonly spreads through saliva.
People with an inconclusive clinical diagnosis of persistent viral illness - Heterophile antibody testing can provide additional information.
How to Prepare
Testing very early in the illness can miss heterophile antibodies.
If symptoms remain strongly suggestive despite a negative result, EBV-specific serology may be more informative.
Symptoms and Reasons to Consider the Paul Bunnell (Monospot) Test
Glandular fever can cause symptoms lasting substantially longer than an uncomplicated upper respiratory infection.
Persistent fatigue or exhaustion - Fatigue can continue for several weeks after acute EBV infection.
Severe or persistent sore throat - Tonsillar inflammation is common.
Swollen lymph nodes in the neck - Cervical lymphadenopathy is characteristic.
Fever - Acute infection commonly causes fever.
Enlarged or inflamed tonsils - Tonsillar exudate can occur.
Headache and body aches - Systemic viral symptoms are common.
Abnormal liver-function results - Transient liver-enzyme elevations can accompany EBV.
Left upper abdominal discomfort - Splenic enlargement can occur during infectious mononucleosis.
Severe abdominal pain, particularly in the left upper abdomen, collapse, major swallowing difficulty or breathing problems require urgent assessment.
Because the spleen can enlarge during glandular fever, strenuous contact sport should be avoided until clinically safe.
How to Book Your Paul Bunnell (Monospot) Test
The Paul Bunnell test can be booked privately for rapid investigation of suspected glandular fever.
Choose the Paul Bunnell (Monospot)
Select the individual Monospot blood test online.
Select your sample collection option
Choose an in-clinic blood draw or professional home or hotel phlebotomy where suitable.
Attend your appointment
A trained healthcare professional collects the required venous blood sample.
Laboratory analysis
Your sample undergoes testing for Paul Bunnell (Monospot) heterophile antibodies.
Receive your results securely
Your authorised result is delivered securely and EBV-specific antibody testing can be considered where required.
When Will I Receive My Results?
The current London Blood Tests page lists a turnaround of approximately 1–2 days after laboratory receipt.
The underlying laboratory assay itself can be processed rapidly, but the customer-facing turnaround also allows for laboratory receipt, quality control and authorisation.
Additional EBV serology can take longer if required.
Understanding Your Results
A positive result means heterophile antibodies have been detected.
In an adolescent or adult with typical symptoms, this strongly supports infectious mononucleosis.
The result is not an absolute proof that EBV is responsible because rare false-positive reactions occur.
A negative result means heterophile antibodies were not detected.
This reduces the likelihood of glandular fever but does not exclude it.
Testing too early can produce a negative result before the antibody response has developed.
Young children are also less likely to produce detectable heterophile antibodies.
Where clinical suspicion remains high, EBV-specific IgM and IgG serology can provide more reliable information about the stage of infection.
Why Book With London Blood Tests?
London Blood Tests provides private Monospot testing for rapid assessment of suspected glandular fever.
Detects heterophile antibodies - These commonly develop during infectious mononucleosis.
Useful in adolescents and adults - The assay performs best in these age groups when symptoms are compatible.
Rapid laboratory turnaround - Results are expected approximately 1–2 days after laboratory receipt.
Can complement Full Blood Count - EBV can produce characteristic haematological changes.
Can complement Liver Function Tests - Mild liver inflammation frequently accompanies glandular fever.
Can be followed by EBV-specific serology - More detailed antibodies can clarify negative or uncertain results.
Professional blood collection - Clinic and suitable home or hotel appointments are available.
Clear pricing - The Paul Bunnell (Monospot) test costs £50.
Private Paul Bunnell (Monospot) Blood Test in London
London Blood Tests provides private Paul Bunnell testing for people requiring investigation of suspected glandular fever.
The test costs £50 and measures 1 specialist infection biomarker.
Results are expected approximately 1–2 days after laboratory receipt.
A negative result does not completely exclude EBV, particularly during early infection or in younger children.