Final answer:
A definitive diagnosis of infectious mononucleosis is made by serologic testing for the EBV viral capsid antigen. This involves testing for antibodies to the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) associated antigens in a person's blood. One type of immunoassay for infectious mononucleosis detects 'heterophile' antibodies in a patient's serum, which can cause the clumping of animal red blood cells known as 'hemagglutination.'
Step-by-step explanation:
A definitive diagnosis of infectious mononucleosis is made by serologic testing for the EBV viral capsid antigen. This involves testing for antibodies to the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) associated antigens in a person's blood. One type of immunoassay for infectious mononucleosis detects 'heterophile' antibodies in a patient's serum. These antibodies have a broad specificity and can cause clumping of animal red blood cells, which is observable as 'hemagglutination.'