Who should do this test?

The dengue test is recommended for the following groups of people:

• Anyone with fever in a dengue-prone area or season : the NS1 antigen turns positive very early, allowing prompt diagnosis during monsoon and outbreak periods.
• People with a recent mosquito bite and rising temperature : checking NS1 antigen along with IgM and IgG antibodies helps catch infection at any stage of illness.
• Those who had dengue before : IgG antibodies flag a repeat (secondary) infection, which can be more serious and needs closer monitoring.
• People whose fever has lasted several days : IgM antibodies appear after the first few days and confirm a current or recent dengue infection.

How do I know if I need this test?

Your doctor usually advises a Dengue Test when you develop symptoms of a sudden fever, especially during or after the monsoon season. Common warning signs include:

• High fever : sudden onset of high-grade fever, often with chills.
• Severe body and joint pain : intense muscle, bone and joint aches, sometimes called 'breakbone' pain.
• Headache and eye pain : throbbing headache with pain behind the eyes.
• Skin rash : a red rash appearing on the body a few days into the fever.
• Bleeding signs : bleeding gums, nosebleeds or easy bruising that needs urgent attention.

How is the test done?

The dengue test is a simple blood test that checks all three markers - NS1 antigen, IgM and IgG antibodies - together in one blood sample. It needs no special preparation and is quick and nearly painless.

To prepare for the test:

• Fasting : Fasting is not required for this test.
• Timing : You may give the sample at any time of day.
• Day of fever : Tell the lab which day of fever you are on.
• Medications : Inform the lab about any medicines you are taking.

To give the sample:

• Blood draw : The technician cleans your arm and draws a small blood sample in 1-2 minutes.
• At home or lab : Give the sample at our Pune lab or book a free home visit.

What will be included in the report?

This Dengue Test checks THREE markers together in one blood sample and includes the following parameters:

• Dengue NS1 Antigen : detects a dengue virus protein appearing very early, from about day 1 to day 7 of fever, useful for early diagnosis. (Normal Range : Negative / Not Detected)
• Dengue IgM Antibodies : appear after about day 4-5 and indicate a current or recent dengue infection. (Normal Range : Negative / Non-reactive)
• Dengue IgG Antibodies : indicate past dengue exposure or a secondary (repeat) dengue infection. (Normal Range : Negative / Non-reactive)

Summary