Have you or one of your relatives experienced dengue fever? Dengue fever has been spreading rapidly across the tropical and subtropical countries affecting thousands of people annually. Early diagnosis is of great importance for successful treatment. Dengue tests are available in different forms and you may want to know more about the kind of test that best suits you. This article provides you with information on the different types of dengue tests that can help to make the right health decision.
Types of Dengue Tests:
- NS1 Antigen Test: NS1 antigen test is one of the most affordable tests for the diagnosis of dengue fever. The test detects the presence of the dengue virus antigen in the blood during the primary phase of infection which is between the first three to seven days of experiencing symptoms. It is fast and normally used at an early stage of diagnosis.
- PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) Test: PCR is a molecular diagnostic test that is used to detect the presence of the dengue virus in the patient’s blood. It is a sensitive and specific test to detect the virus in the early stage of infection. PCR is commonly the diagnostic and identification test for dengue virus among other related viral diseases.
- IgM Antibody Test: An IgM antibody test is a diagnostic test for dengue that detects IgM antibodies produced by the body due to dengue infection. It can be done in the first week after the first symptoms have occurred and when IgM antibodies are present in your blood. IgM antibody test is used for the confirmation of a recent diagnosis of dengue.
- IgG Antibody Test: Like IgM antibody test, IgG antibody test records as positive if the body produces immunoglobulin G antibodies in response to dengue virus infection. IgG antibodies are persistent, so they serve as definitive evidence for the dengue occurrence once reached in the blood. This test is a useful method for performing seroprevalence and determining immune status.
- Combination Tests: Certain diagnostic kits thus comprise of NS1 antigen and the antibodies (IgM/IgG) inclusive tests for the overall dengue diagnosis. Such tests are a mix-type of tests which in turn are advantageous because this may be able to detect both current and past dengue infections in a single Assay leading to a broader overview about the patient’s current Dengue status.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Dengue Test
When deciding which dengue test is right for you, several factors should be considered:
- Symptom Onset: If you have signs of dengue fever like fever, headache, vomiting, and rash an NS1 antigen test may be prescribed for immediate diagnosis.
- Duration of Symptoms: For the patients with symptoms from the first week onwards, the frequently used tests can be IgM and IgG antibody tests to recognize the infection and determine its stage.
- Travel History: If you have been in a country where dengue transmission is very common or in contact with dengue carrier mosquitoes, diagnostic tests are especially important because they can detect infections early and guide treatment.
- Medical History: People with pre-existing health conditions or a compromised immune system need testing that is specific to dengue to get an accurate diagnosis and to gauge the course of the disease.
Expert advice from a healthcare provider before any tests are considered based on your individual case is critically important.
Conclusion
Thus, diagnosis of dengue early is crucial to tackle the disease effectively and to avoid severe effects. Gaining knowledge about different kinds of dengue tests can allow you and your health care professional to arrive at informed decisions regarding your well-being. Regardless of whether it is an NS1 antigen test for the early detection or IgM/IgG antibody tests for infection confirmation, determining the right test can help during early intervention and can work with the aim of good results.
