Home » ‘ The Role of Dengue Fever Antigen Test in Early Detection

‘ The Role of Dengue Fever Antigen Test in Early Detection

by Sonal Shukla

The mosquito-transmitted viral infection of dengue makes patients suffer from high fever, muscle pain, headaches, and various other symptoms. Undergoing a dengue test is crucial for early diagnosis so that patients don’t face the life-threatening symptoms of the viral disease. Dive deeper to learn more about the dengue antigen test. 

Overview of the Dengue NS1 Test

The official dengue test name is Nonstructural protein-1 Antigen (NS-1 Antigen). The diagnostic test offers accurate results when it’s done within the first nine days of noticing the symptoms. During the test, a sample of blood is collected in the serum separator tube. 

The serum separator tube is inverted around 8 to 10 times. The blood clots within 15 to 30 minutes of collection. The serum is collected over the clotted blood. The serum is sent to the lab for further study. 

Purpose of the Dengue Blood Test

The purpose of performing the dengue blood test is as follows:

Identifying the existence of NSI of the mosquito-borne dengue virus.

Rapid dengue detection on the first day of the fever.

Confirming the existence of mosquito-borne dengue viral infection.

Measuring the genetic material of the mosquito-borne virus in the bloodstream.

When to Do the Dengue Test

Medical practitioners usually recommend the dengue test when patients show the following symptoms:

  • Fever
  • Stomach pain
  • Lethargy
  • Restlessness
  • Tender stomach
  • Enlarged liver
  • Mucosal liver
  • Vomiting more than thrice a day
  • Stomach inflammation
  • Joint pain
Result of a Dengue Antigen Test

The result of a dengue antigen test can either be positive or negative. The test detects the non-structural protein component (NS1) of the dengue virus. The meaning of the results is as follows:

A positive test result confirms dengue virus infection without providing serotype information whereas a negative test result does not rule out infection.

People with negative results should be tested for the presence of dengue IgM antibodies to determine possible recent dengue exposure.

Final Words

A dengue antigen test can help with the early detection of the viral infection. It ensures that patients don’t suffer from the life-threatening implications of the disease. If you are worried about the dengue test price, it is usually pretty affordable. A reputable diagnostic center like Dr. Lal PathLabs will offer accurate dengue test results within an affordable range.

FAQs:

1. What can I expect during a dengue antigen test?

During a dengue antigen test, a healthcare professional will draw a blood sample from a vein in your arm. They will insert a small needle to collect the required amount of blood in a vial or test tube. When the needle is inserted, you might have a stingy feeling. Usually, the dengue antigen test won’t take more than five minutes. 

2. What are the risks of a dengue antigen test?

A dengue antigen test is like a simple blood test with no side effects. Patients are likely to spot slight bruising and pain in the area where the needle was inserted. However, the symptoms go away pretty quickly

3. What is dengue platelet count?

Dengue patients show a low platelet count because their bodies lose the ability to clot blood. It also prevents the body from combating the infection.

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