Paul-Bunnel test

Paul-Bunnel test is used to detect specific heterophile antibodies against Epstein-Barr virus (EB virus, infectious mononucleosis virus).

Method
Test is based on agglutination of ram erythrocytes. It is performed in a microtiter plate:


 * 1) Pipette 0.02 ml of test serum and 0.08 nl of saline into the first well of the microtiter plate.
 * 2) The serum is further diluted geometrically: add 0.05 ml of saline to each additional well in the row and add 0.05 ml from the previous well.
 * 3) Then add 0.05 ml of sheep blood cell suspension to all wells.

Similarly, prepare a positive and negative control with reference area.

When antibodies ar epresent, erythrocytes agglutinate.