heterophil

If heterophil antibodies are present, the blood clumps (agglutinates).

No heterophil antibodies are detected.

The presence of heterophil antibodies usually indicates infectious mononucleosis, although the interpretation of results may vary, depending on how the test is done.

The heterophil agglutination test is a way to detect two antibodies in the blood that indicate infection with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV).

The appearance of heterophil antibodies may indicate one of several infections, but is most commonly used to diagnose infectious mononucleosis, an illness caused by Epstein-Barr virus.