When is a Dengue Fever Test Recommended?

Dengue fever, a mosquito-borne illness prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions, can cause flu-like symptoms and sometimes develop into a severe form.

Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne viral disease caused by the Aedes mosquitoes. Dengue is a deadly disease responsible for thousands of deaths every year across the world. Hence, early diagnosis with dengue NS1 antigen test can help manage its severe complications. Read on to learn more about the dengue fever test price and its role in the early detection and management of this fatal fever.

Understanding Dengue Fever

Dengue fever is an infectious tropical disease caused by the dengue virus, a flavivirus transmitted through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes, especially Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. These mosquitoes are found in the tropical and subtropical regions of the world.

The virus has five distinct serotypes, namely, DEN-1, DEN-2, DEN-3, DEN-4, and DEN-5.

Symptoms of Dengue Fever

The incubation period for dengue fever is typically 3-7 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Symptoms can vary but often include:

• Sudden high fever (up to 104°F or 40°C)
• Severe headache
• Nausea and vomiting
• Muscle and joint aches
• Skin rash
• Fatigue
• Swollen lymph nodes

Complications of Dengue Fever

In some cases, dengue fever can get complicated and fatal for individuals who have had the disease before or those with other underlying diseases. Severe dengue can lead to:

• Dengue haemorrhagic fever (DHF): It is characterised by internal bleeding and a significant drop in blood platelet count.
• Dengue shock syndrome (DSS): It is a life-threatening complication of DHF, causing low blood pressure and circulatory failure.

Diagnosing Dengue Fever

Dengue fever must be diagnosed accurately to ensure that healthcare givers can treat the disease effectively. Various tests can be used to determine if an individual has dengue. However, the most valuable test is the dengue NS1 antigen test, especially in the early stages of the disease.

The Dengue NS1 Antigen Test: How Does It Work?

The Dengue NS1 Antigen test or the Dengue NS1 Antigen – ELISA test is a diagnostic test that is used to detect the presence of a certain protein in the dengue virus. This test is useful in early diagnosis since it can identify the presence of the dengue virus in the body even before the flu-like symptoms appear. While the dengue test price may vary depending on location and healthcare provider, its accessibility is crucial. At Apollo 24|7, the Dengue fever test price is just ₹660*.

*Price may vary depending on your location.

Benefits of the Dengue NS1 Antigen Test

The dengue NS1 antigen test offers several advantages:

• Early Detection: It can detect the dengue virus within the first few days of infection, even before symptoms manifest.
• Rapid Results: Results are often available within a few hours, allowing for swift treatment decisions.
• Specificity: The test is relatively specific for the dengue virus, helping to differentiate it from other illnesses with similar symptoms.

When is a Dengue Fever Test Recommended?

Given the importance of early diagnosis, a dengue NS1 antigen test might be recommended in the following situations:

• Individuals with Symptoms: If you experience a sudden fever, especially during peak dengue season in your region, a test can confirm the presence of the virus early on.
• Undetermined Cause of Fever: Dengue symptoms can mimic other illnesses. This test can help distinguish dengue fever from other fevers caused by flaviviruses or other infections.
• Travellers and Returning Visitors: If you’ve travelled to a region with a high prevalence of dengue fever and experience symptoms upon return, a test can help diagnose the cause of your illness.

Interpreting Dengue Fever Test Results

The dengue NS1 antigen test results can be categorised as:

• Positive: The presence of the NS1 antigen indicates an active dengue virus infection.
• Negative: The test does not detect the NS1 antigen, potentially suggesting another cause for your symptoms. It can also mean that the dengue infection is beyond the timeframe where the NS1 antigen is detectable.

Things to Remember While Analysing Test Results

It’s important to note that a negative test result doesn’t necessarily rule out dengue fever. In some cases, the NS1 antigen might not be present at detectable levels, particularly in the later stages of infection.

Your doctor might recommend additional tests, such as Dengue IgG and Viral Culture, to make a proper diagnosis. Avoid jumping to conclusions based on test results alone. Let your healthcare professional interpret them in the context of your specific situation.

Conclusion

Following these pointers equips you with a more informed and proactive perspective when analysing dengue fever test results. The early diagnosis offered by the NS1 antigen test can significantly improve patient outcomes. Considering the potential for severe complications associated with dengue, the dengue test price becomes a vital factor. Accessible testing allows for early diagnosis, ultimately protecting public health and minimising the overall cost of treatment for both individuals and healthcare systems.