Dengue NS1 Antigen Test by ELISA

A dengue NS1 antigen test by ELISA checks the presence of non-structural protein 1 (NS1) antigen in your blood. It is a blood test that employs the ELISA (Enzyme-linked immunosorbent Assay) method to detect the virus in labs. Early detection is vital for timely and appropriate treatment of dengue fever, a viral infection transmitted by mosquitoes. 

The formation of the NS1 protein occurs when the virus actively replicates in the early stages of infection. This makes the valuable test from day 1 of fever for approximately 7 days and sometimes longer after the onset of symptoms. 

The NS1 ELISA is a widely used antigen test for diagnostic use. A positive NS1 antigen indicates the presence of a viral infection. 

Healthcare providers recommend the NS1 test for dengue when you experience a sudden onset of high fever, typically accompanied by symptoms such as joint and muscle aches, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, and skin rash, among others. 

India, including Delhi, Ghaziabad, and the Noida region, is seeing a sharp rise in dengue cases. In fact, multiple notices have also been issued to housing societies. Additionally, rapid testing, fever desks, and inspections to eliminate mosquito breeding sites are actively underway. 

Take precautions if you or your loved ones are in or traveling to these regions, and seek medical care, if symptoms appear. Redcliffe Labs- India's most loved diagnostics provider offers trustworthy dengue testing services. If you are looking for a dengue test near me , we ensure accurate results with family-like care. 

Call 898 898 87 87 to book your test at home today and enjoy a hassle-free testing experience at affordable prices. You are one-step away from protecting your and loved ones' health with accurate diagnostics and compassionate support. 

Test Details

What is the purpose of the test?

Understanding the purpose of the dengue antigen test is crucial for accurately diagnosing and managing dengue infection. Here is why doctors suggest the test: 

1. Early detection of dengue infection: The primary purpose of the dengue NS1 test is to help detect dengue infection early. The NS1 antigen (a viral protein) appears in the blood from the first day of fever and remains present for up to 7 or 9 days, even before the body produces antibodies. 

As dengue cases spike during the monsoon and post-monsoon season, the test is the most reliable for the early diagnosis of the active infection. 

2. Confirms dengue with high accuracy: The ELISA approach supports greater sensitivity and specificity compared to other rapid card tests, reducing false negatives.
3. Guide timely medical management, Especially, in cities like Delhi where hospitals often see a surge in dengue admission in August-October. Early detection by the NS1 antigen test by ELISA allows healthcare providers to closely monitor for warning signs like dehydration, platelet drop, or hemorrhagic symptoms. 
4. Distinguish dengue from other fevers: The test specifically pinpoints dengue because, in the acute febrile phase, dengue symptoms can be mistaken for viral or bacterial infections. 
5. Public health surveillance: Apart from all these reasons, the test contributes to public health efforts by confirming active dengue infection during the high-risk dengue season. This allows for prompt clinical management. 

Who should take the dengue NS1 antigen test by ELISA?

Anyone with early symptoms of dengue, particularly in dengue-affected regions like Delhi during the monsoon season, should take the test. Doctors recommend the test if you: 

1. Have early symptoms of dengue within 1-7 days of fever onset: If you experience early symptoms of dengue fever, such as sudden high fever (often above 101-104°F), severe headache, gum bleeding, breakbone fever, and loss of appetite. The test is instrumental within the initial 7 days of onset when the NS1 protein is most detectable. 

2 Suggested by your doctor for confirmation: Doctors suggest the test if you are showing warning signs like abdominal pain, persistent pain, or a rapid fall in platelet count. 

3. Have unexplained acute fever: In the initial, acute phase of infection, dengue symptoms can be non-specific and resemble other viral or bacterial infections. The NS1 antigen test helps confirm or rule out infection. 
4. Live in or recently traveled to a dengue-prone area: Additionally, the dengue antigen test is vital if you have recently visited tropical and subtropical regions, including Southeast Asia, Latin America, Africa, and the Indian subcontinent. 
5. Have had dengue in the past: If you have had dengue in the past, it does not give you permanent immunity. This doubles the risk of severe dengue during the second infection. Hence, your body will react more strongly to a different strain of the virus. 
6. Children and infants due to their weak immune system: The immunity is developing in children, which makes them prone to severe dengue complications, so early testing is crucial. 
7. Adults with early dengue symptoms: Older adults above 60, especially with weak immunity, or underlying health issues like diabetes, or kidney disease, should take the test if they develop high fever, or other dengue-related symptoms.

Preparation and Procedure for Dengue NS1 Test

It is essential to understand the preparation for the test to receive the most accurate results. Whether you book a dengue test at home or visit the diagnostic center, fasting is not required. This means you do not need to abstain from your regular meals, and also stay hydrated for a convenient blood draw. 

Stopping your regular medicine without the doctor's consent can increase the risk and also influence the test results. So, continue taking them unless they prescribes you to stop the medication. 

Step-by-Step Guide for the Dengue Test Process:

• First, a trained healthcare professional will clean the vein in the upper elbow with an antiseptic. Then, an elastic band is tied around the upper arm to make the vein more visible. 
• Then, the phlebotomist will insert a sterile needle into the vein to draw a blood sample and transfer it into a vial. 
• Then, they will release the band and apply a cotton gauze to prevent bleeding, 
• Lastly, they will label the collection tube with details and send it to a certified lab for ELISA analysis. 

Note: The blood sample collection process is quick and causes mild discomfort, such as slight bruising at the puncture site. The symptoms will disappear on their own in 2-3 days. In case the infection does not treat on its own, or symptoms worsen, seek immediate medical assistance. 

What do the test reports indicate?

The test report clearly shows whether you are currently infected with the dengue virus (positive) or not (negative). The timing of the test is crucial, allowing healthcare professionals to pair it with additional tests, such as the dengue IgM antibody test, the dengue IgG antibody test, and the complete blood count (CBC).

1. Positive Result 

The positive NS1 antigen test results by the ELISA method indicate the dengue virus is present in your blood. The active dengue infection is found in the early stage (first 7 days of illness). 

2. Negative Result (or Non-Reactive)

The negative results mean the NS1 antigen was not detected in the blood. It could indicate either no dengue infection or that testing was done (after 7 days). Further testing, such as an IgM/IgG antibody test, may be suggested to confirm or rule out the infection. 

Note: Show your reports to your healthcare provider for better interpretation of the test results.

Early Symptoms vs. Severe/Warning Symptoms

Here is an overview: 

Early Symptoms of Dengue (1-7 days after infection)

1. Sudden high fever (often 101-104°F)
2. Severe headache
3. Pain behind the eyes
4. Muscle, joint, or bone pain (breakbone fever)
5. Loss of appetite
6. Nausea or vomiting
7. Skin rash

Severe or Warning Symptoms

1. Persistent abdominal pain
2. Continuous vomiting
3. Gum or nose bleeding
4. Rapid breathing
5. Severe fatigue or irritability
6. Sudden drop in platelet count
7. Low blood pressure

Home Remedies & Self-Care Tips for Dengue 

Home remedies are not substitutes for medical treatment, they can help ease discomfort and support recovery. 

• Stay hydrated with water, ORS, coconut water, and fruit juices, to prevent dehydration caused by fever and vomiting.
• Papaya leaf extracts are believed to help platelet count and boost immunity.
• Drink Neem and Giloy juice to boost your immunity and reduce fever. 
• Include vitamin-C-rich fruits in your diet to strengthen recovery. 
• Avoid ibuprofen or aspirin. Only take paracetamol for fever and pain relief. 
• Herbal teas such as ginger tea, tulsi tea, or turmeric milk may provide relief from fever and body aches. 
• Aim for 8 hours of quality sleep to help your body fight the infection.

Let's Care Come Home - Book Your Dengue Test At Home With Redcliffe Labs! 

Your and your family's safety is our priority. Delhi's monsoon brings dengue risk so early testing can bring peace of mind. Redcliffe Labs offers NABL-certified Dengue NS1 Antigen ELISA testing with home sample collection for just INR 529. Our phlebotomist maintains hygiene to ensure family-like care and comfort at every step. Accurate reports are delivered online within 18 hours. 

So, why wait? Join 7 million patients who trust Redcliffe Labs for quick and hassle-free testing. 

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