Final answer:
Infectious mononucleosis is indicated by elevated heterophile antibodies, but this result is not exclusively diagnostic of the disease. A positive result suggests mononucleosis but does not confirm EBV or CMV as the causative agent without further testing.
Step-by-step explanation:
The laboratory findings in infectious mononucleosis (IM) are generally characterized by an elevated level of heterophile antibodies. These antibodies can be detected by a qualitative assay such as the Sure-Vue Mono Test. Infectious mononucleosis, commonly caused by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) or cytomegalovirus (CMV), is usually associated with clinical signs including sore throat, fever, swollen lymph nodes, and fatigue. While the presence of heterophile antibodies suggests mononucleosis, it is not exclusively diagnostic, as these antibodies may also appear in other conditions such as hepatitis and rubella, or even autoimmune diseases.
A positive test result indicates the presence of heterophile antibodies, which are associated with infectious mononucleosis. However, the test alone cannot confirm whether the EBV or CMV infection is causing the symptoms, as similar symptoms can be caused by other infections like streptococcal pharyngitis. Additional testing for antibodies specific to EBV or CMV, along with clinical evaluation, would be necessary to make a definitive diagnosis.