Do I really have mono

Dear Ask The Doctor: I went to care now and they did a blood test and diagnosed me with mono. I am wondering how accurate this test is... since I have been researching it I am starting to think I have tonsillitus.

Dear Breanne: I realize your concern about Mononucleosis. Mononucleosis (mono) is often called the kissing disease. The virus that causes mono is transmitted through saliva, so you can get it through kissing, but you can also be exposed through a cough or sneeze, or by sharing a glass or food utensil with someone who has mono. However, mononucleosis isnt as contagious as some infections, such as the common cold. Usually your doctor may suspect mononucleosis based on your signs and symptoms and a physical examination. He or she will be looking for signs like swollen lymph nodes, tonsils, liver or spleen, as well as evaluate you based on the symptoms you describe. To confirm the diagnosis a Monospot test may be done to check your blood for antibodies to the Epstein-Barr virus. This screening test may not detect the infection during the first week of the illness. A different antibody blood test requires a longer result time, but can detect the disease even within the first week of symptoms. However False-positive results may be found in a small number of patients. Certainly a combination of signs and symptoms and a positive Lab test would be enough to confirm Mononucleosis. I hope I cleared your doubt.