CPT® Code 86310

Heterophile antibodies are a type of antibody that can be detected in the blood and are commonly associated with infectious mononucleosis (IM). These antibodies typically become elevated during the early stages of the illness, specifically within the first 2 to 3 weeks after the onset of symptoms. Following this initial rise, the titers of heterophile antibodies begin to decline and are generally no longer detectable within 8 to 12 weeks. The testing for these antibodies involves a specific procedure known as the Paul-Bunnell test, which was later refined to include the Davidsohn differential test, collectively referred to as the Paul-Bunnell-Davidsohn test. This test examines serum samples that contain IM antibodies and introduces them to guinea pig kidney cells. It is important to note that the IM antibodies do not get absorbed by the kidney cells; instead, they react with beef (ox) red blood cells, leading to agglutination. The degree of this agglutination indicates the titer level of the heterophile antibodies present in the serum sample, which is a positive indicator for infectious mononucleosis.