🩺 Affordable Private Healthcare

Glandular Fever Testing

Price
£65

Turnaround

4 -12 hours

Appointment

15 minutes

blood vial for glandular testing

Find Out More

4.8
4.8/5
4.7
4.7/5
Care Quality Commission
Primary Care & Diagnostics Finalist Award

pound iconPrice: £65

Turnaround: 4 -12 hours

Appointment: 15 minutes

Is glandular fever contagious?

Yes, glandular fever is contagious and spreads from person to person through contact with saliva.

It is estimated that 95% of adults have been infected with EBV (Epstein–Barr virus), the virus that causes glandular fever (also known as mononucleosis, mono, or the kissing disease), at some point in their lives.

EBV infection can be asymptomatic or can manifest as glandular fever. If you are concerned that you may have contracted EBV, we are here to assist you.

Understanding Glandular Fever

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is the virus responsible for causing glandular fever, which primarily affects young adults and teenagers, although it can also affect individuals of other age groups. While it usually presents with symptoms such as severe fatigue, fever, a very sore throat, and swollen neck glands, most of these symptoms resolve within the first month.

If you suspect you have contracted EBV, it is essential to seek a proper diagnosis from a doctor to monitor potential complications of the infection carefully.

At Walk-In-Clinic, we offer two different tests:

  • Glandular Fever Monospot: £65 (tests for a current infection)
  • Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) screening: £195 (tests for current & past infection and any sign of reactivation of a past infection)

What Is EBV

EBV (Epstein-Barr virus) is a member of the herpesvirus family and one of the most common human viruses worldwide. It spreads primarily through saliva, especially during close contact like kissing, and infects B lymphocytes and epithelial cells.

After initial infection, EBV can remain dormant for life, occasionally reactivating without symptoms in healthy individuals. However, it can also lead to serious conditions such as certain cancers like Burkitt’s lymphoma and Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Woman doctor smiling
Woman doctor taking notes

Causes Of Glandular Fever

Glandular fever is primarily caused by the Epstein-Barr virus, which can spread through various means. It is typically transmitted through close contact with an infected person, especially through activities like kissing or sharing utensils that involve exposure to saliva. Individuals with a weakened immune system are more susceptible to developing glandular fever.

Furthermore, living or spending time in crowded environments such as schools, colleges, or military barracks, where close contact is frequent, increases the risk of transmission. Poor hygiene practices, such as irregular handwashing, can also contribute to the spread of EBV.

What To Expect When You Have Glandular Fever

When you have glandular fever, you can expect the following:

  • Symptoms: Typically, symptoms include severe fatigue, fever, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes (especially in the neck and armpits), and swollen tonsils.
  • Duration: Symptoms usually develop 4 to 6 weeks after exposure to EBV. The acute phase of glandular fever can last 2 to 4 weeks or longer, with fatigue potentially persisting for several weeks to months.
  • Severity: The severity of symptoms can vary widely. Some people may have mild symptoms, while others may experience more severe fatigue and discomfort.
  • Complications: In rare cases, glandular fever can lead to complications such as enlargement of the spleen (splenomegaly), which can increase the risk of splenic rupture (a medical emergency). Liver inflammation (hepatitis) and neurological complications are also possible but uncommon.
  • Follow-up: After recovering from glandular fever, it is important to monitor for any lingering symptoms or complications. Follow-up with a healthcare provider may be recommended, especially if symptoms persist or worsen.

Statistics​

Completed Blood Test This Year
0
Biochemistry Tests Are Carried Out Per Year In The UK
0 Mill
Blood Tests For Each Person Are Performed Annually
0
Cervical Cancer Cases Are Preventable
0 %

How To Book A Blood Test

book online or call us

Use our online booking engine or book your test by giving us a call.

Choose your test type

On the online booking engine select the “appointment type” you need.

meet with our experts

You will be seen by one of our friendly phlebotomists or trained clinicians.

Procedure

Type of sample taken: Blood
preparing for appointment

Preparing for test

To ensure the smoothest experience during your blood test, we kindly request that you arrive well-hydrated, as it makes drawing a sample of your blood easier. Your comfort and the efficiency of the process are our priorities, and we appreciate your cooperation in preparing for this appointment.

during the appointment

During the test

A glandular fever blood test is a routine blood draw that is generally well-tolerated. A needle is typically inserted into your arm to draw a sample of your blood, and the procedure only lasts a few minutes.

post appointment

Results

Our doctor will call you to explain your results if you had your test alongside a GP consultation. If you came for the blood test only, we will email you the results, and you can take them to your own doctor for interpretation or book a consultation to come back and see one of our GPs.

 

Why Choose Walk In Clinic
for blood testing

No
Hidden Charges

Transparent fees. The price you see is the price you pay.

No GP consultation
needed

No GP appointment requirement for blood tests

Established
since 1998

Experienced doctors & a professional team.

Strictly
confidential

Your medical records are kept private at all times.

testimonials​

Blood Test Biomarkers

pricing

Glandular Fever Monospot

Tests for a current infection.

Epstein Barr Virus screen

Tests for current & past infection and any sign of reactivation of a past infection.

see other blood tests

Book Your Blood Test Today

We offer a wide range of private blood tests in London. Same-day appointments are available 5 days a week.

Specialist Medical Team

We work with experienced consultants & healthcare professionals who have received positive feedback from our patients, and with whom we have established long-term relationships.

fAQ

When is this test recommended?
This test will be ordered when you have symptoms that are characteristic of glandular fever, such as fever, headache, sore throat, swollen glands, and extreme fatigue, which cannot be explained any other way. This infection is more prevalent in teenagers and young adults. The doctor may also recommend this test if you have an existing autoimmune disease.
What do EBV and glandular fever have in common?
EBV, or the Epstein-Barr Virus, is the virus that causes glandular fever. The virus is present in the saliva of someone who has the infection. You can carry the virus for years without showing symptoms. Someone who has had an EBV infection as a child is more likely to develop glandular fever later in life.
Are there any links between Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) and autoimmune disease?
Yes. Research has shown a strong correlation between being infected with EBV and developing certain autoimmune diseases, lupus and multiple sclerosis (MS) in particular, and possibly some cancers. The links however are not exactly clear.

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