Dengue Fever Test

What is Dengue Fever Test?

Dengue fever test is a type of diagnostic test which is used to detect dengue virus in a person’s body. Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne virus that is often found in tropical and subtropical countries and is responsible for severe flu-like symptoms. Dengue fever tests allow for the early detection of the virus and can help a doctor to give the patient the right treatments.

Preparation for Dengue Fever Test

Before the dengue fever test, patients should make sure that they have informed their doctor or the technician doing the test about any medications that they are currently taking and any medical conditions they may have. Additionally, the doctor may ask the patient to follow certain instructions such as fasting and taking certain prescribed medications beforehand in order to ensure the accuracy of the results.

Procedure for Dengue Fever Test

The dengue fever test is typically done by extracting and testing a sample of blood. The test itself is an ELISA or enzyme-linked immunosorbent test which determines whether anti-dengue virus IgG and IgM antibodies are present in the patient’s system. The process itself is relatively quick and straightforward if the patient is properly prepared.

Types of Dengue Fever Tests

There are three types of dengue fever tests typically available: qualitative, quantitative, and IgM-capture. Qualitative tests are used to determine whether any anti-dengue virus IgG and IgM antibodies are present in the patient’s body. Quantitative tests are used to determine the levels of such antibodies present in the body. Lastly, IgM-capture tests are used to determine whether the IgM antibodies present are specific to dengue virus and not to another virus or bacteria.

What are the Risks of Dengue Fever Tests?

The risks associated with the dengue fever test are minimal. As the dengue fever test is typically done through the extraction of a sample of blood, there is a small risk of infection at the site of the puncture. Additionally, if a patient is not properly prepared, the results of the test may be inaccurate.

Why is Dengue Fever Test Performed?

Dengue fever tests are typically performed for two reasons. First, they allow for the early detection of dengue virus which can help a doctor to give the patient the right treatments. Secondly, they also allow for the monitoring of the progression of the virus in the patient’s body.

When is a Dengue Fever Test Performed?

Dengue fever tests are typically performed when the patient shows signs and symptoms of dengue fever which could include: high fever, severe headache, severe pain in the joints and muscles, nausea, vomiting, and a rash.