30th April 2024

A 20-year-old college student presents with a 10-day history of sore throat, fever, and fatigue.

A 20-year-old college student presents with a 10-day history of sore throat, fever, and fatigue. She also complains of swollen glands in her neck and difficulty swallowing. On examination, she has enlarged tonsils with exudate, tender cervical lymphadenopathy, and mild splenomegaly. There is no rash or signs of respiratory distress.

Investigations:

Vital signs: Fever of 38.6°C, pulse 88 bpm, respiratory rate 16 breaths per minute.

Which test is first-line to confirm the diagnosis?