Heterophil agglutination test


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Heterophil agglutination tests
Heterophil agglutination tests
Alternative Names

Paul-Bunnell test; Forssman antibody test


What the risks are

Risks associated with having blood drawn are slight:

  • Excessive bleeding
  • Fainting or feeling lightheaded
  • Hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin)
  • Infection (a minimal risk any time the skin is broken)
  • Multiple punctures to locate veins

Special considerations

Veins and arteries vary in size from one patient to another and from one side of the body to the other. Obtaining a blood sample from some people may be more difficult than from others.



Review Date: 04/29/2005
Reviewed By: Frank A. Greco, M.D., Ph.D., Director, Biophysical Laborartory, The Lahey Clinic, Burlington, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.


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