Final answer:
The typical return to play guidelines for athletes diagnosed with mononucleosis involve a careful, symptom-free return to activity, considering spleen enlargement risks. Diagnosis is based on clinical symptoms and the presence of heterophile antibodies to EBV antigens, confirmed by tests such as the Sure-Vue Mono Test.
Step-by-step explanation:
When an athlete is diagnosed with mononucleosis, also known as mono, return to play guidelines typically involve a gradual increase in physical activity, ensuring no symptoms are present, and often an ultrasound or physical examination to confirm the absence of spleen enlargement. The risk of spleen rupture makes it essential to proceed with caution. Diagnosis of mono is usually based on clinical symptoms such as sore throat, fever, and swollen lymph nodes, alongside a test for antibodies to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) antigens. Specifically, a qualitative assay for the detection of heterophile antibodies is often used. The Sure-Vue Mono Test is an example of this, which tests for the 'heterophile' antibodies indicative of an infection by EBV or Cytomegalovirus (CMV), common causes of mono.