Dengue Test Explained in 2 Minutes - Symptoms, Process, and Report

Dengue fever is a viral disease spread by mosquitoes. Get tested early if you’re experiencing symptoms like a sudden high fever, intense headaches, joint pain, and rashes. But what exactly is a dengue test, and how does it work?

A dengue test helps doctors determine whether your symptoms are caused by the dengue virus or something else, like malaria or another mosquito-borne disease. Early diagnosis is crucial because most dengue infections are mild and can be managed at home. However, in some cases, it can lead to severe complications, such as dengue hemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome.

In this blog, let’s discuss dengue tests, the different types of dengue tests available, and what you can expect during the process.

What is a Dengue Test?

A dengue test detects the presence of the dengue virus in your body. It helps doctors confirm whether your symptoms are caused by dengue fever or another fever. The doctor may recommend the test if a person shows symptoms that suggest dengue infection, such as high fever, severe headache, joint pain, and skin rash.

What are the Types of Dengue Tests?

Healthcare providers may use several types of tests to diagnose dengue. The two main categories are serological tests and molecular tests.

1. Serological Tests (Antibody Tests)

• Dengue IgM Antibody Test: This test looks for IgM antibodies, which the immune system produces in response to a dengue infection. IgM is detectable in the blood about 4 to 5 days after the onset of symptoms and remains in the blood for several weeks.
• Dengue IgG Antibody Test: This test detects IgG antibodies indicating a past dengue infection. IgG appears in the blood after the IgM antibodies. It suggests that you've had a dengue infection before or may be recovering from a recent one.

2. Molecular Tests (PCR Tests)

• RT-PCR Test (Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction): This test detects the presence of the dengue virus's genetic material (RNA) in the blood. It is one of the most accurate methods for diagnosing dengue in the early stages. Dengue RNA PCR tests provide precise results by detecting even low virus levels.

3. Dengue NS1 Antigen Test

• This test detects the dengue virus's non-structural protein (NS1), which is produced when the virus is present in the blood. The NS1 antigen test is useful in the early stages of infection, usually within the first 5 days, when IgM or IgG antibodies might not yet be present. The NS1 test is highly sensitive and can confirm the presence of dengue early.

What is the Dengue Test Used For?

A dengue test is used to diagnose dengue fever. Here is how the test is useful:

1. Diagnosis: Dengue fever symptoms are common, such as fever, body pain, rash, etc.; thus, they may overlap with other illnesses like malaria or chikungunya. A dengue test helps to confirm whether dengue fever is the cause of the symptoms.
2. Determining Severity: Dengue fever can be mild but sometimes develops into severe dengue, leading to dengue hemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome. A Dengue test helps to assess the severity of the infection.
3. Monitoring Recovery: Once diagnosed, dengue tests can also track recovery and ensure the body produces antibodies to fight the infection.

Why Do You Need a Dengue Test?

If you live in or have traveled to areas with common dengue fever, you must get yourself tested for symptoms. Here are some reasons why you might need a dengue test:

1. Fever and Other Symptoms: If you develop a high fever above 38°C or 100.4°F with other symptoms like joint pain, muscle pain, rash, or headache, you should take the dengue test.
2. To prevent complications, Severe dengue can be life-threatening if not treated on time. A dengue test helps detect the infection early and reduce the risk of complications like bleeding, organ damage, and shock.

Common Symptoms of Dengue

Early symptoms of dengue begin 4 to 10 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. These include:

1. High fever (104°F)
2. Severe headache
3. Pain behind the eyes
4. Joint and muscle pain
5. Rash
6. Nausea and vomiting
7. Fatigue and weakness
8. Mild bleeding

Severe symptoms of dengue

• Abdominal pain or tenderness
• Vomiting
• Bleeding from the nose or gums
• Vomiting blood or blood in stool (poop)
• Feeling tired, restless, or irritable

What Happens During a Dengue Test?

The procedure of the dengue test depends on the type of dengue test. Here's what you can expect:

• If you have symptoms of dengue, consult your healthcare provider. They will recommend the dengue test based on your medical history and symptoms.
• A healthcare professional will use a syringe to draw a small blood sample from a vein in your arm. The procedure will take only a few minutes.
• The blood sample is sent to a laboratory and analyzed for dengue antibodies, the virus, or the NS1 antigen. The test reports will be available within a few hours to a few days, depending on the test.
• Once you receive the test result, consult your doctor for the treatment plan.

Preparation Required for the Dengue Test

No special preparation is needed before getting a dengue test. However, it is important to:

1. Inform Your Doctor: Tell your doctor about any medications you are taking.
2. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids before the test.

What Does the Dengue Result Mean?

The Dengue test results provide the:

1. Positive Result:

• If the test detects the dengue virus or antibodies, you are currently infected with dengue. 

2. Negative Result:

• If the test is negative, you do not have dengue, but if symptoms persist, the doctor may recommend other tests to determine the cause of your illness.

Is There Anything Else You Should Know About the Dengue Test?

Here are some important things you should know about the dengue test- 

1. Timing: The timing of the test is important because if you take the test early, it might be possible that the test reports show negative results. Consult your doctor and take the test, after 2-3 days for accurate results
2. Dengue Treatment: There is no specific antiviral treatment for dengue. Treatment involves supportive care, medications based on symptoms, and maintaining hydration.
3. Prevention: The best way to prevent dengue is to avoid mosquito bites. Therefore, wear protective clothes and insect repellent, and clean the empty water utensils near your home. 

The Key Takeaways

The dengue test is helpful in diagnosing the infection early, determining the appropriate treatment, and preventing complications that could arise from severe forms of dengue. The test can detect specific antibodies (IgM and IgG) or the virus through the NS1 antigen or PCR tests, depending on when the test is done and the type of test used, doctors can determine whether you have a recent or past infection.

If you notice symptoms like a high fever, joint pain, rash, or headache, getting tested as soon as possible is important. There is no special cure for dengue; only supportive care and managing symptoms can help you recover. Of course, preventing mosquito bites remains the best way to protect yourself from dengue. If you're ever in doubt about your symptoms, don't hesitate to get a test and seek medical advice.

FAQ’s

1. What tests are done for dengue?

Common tests include the NS1 antigen test for early detection and IgM/IgG antibody tests to identify recent or past infections.

2. What is the CBC test for dengue?

A CBC test helps diagnose and monitor dengue fever. The test assesses blood cell counts, including WBC, RBC, and platelets, which can indicate the severity of the infection and potential complications.

3. What if dengue IgG is positive?

If your dengue IgG test is positive, you've had a previous dengue infection, as IgG antibodies remain in your system long after the illness.

4. What are dengue IgG, IgM, and NS1?

Dengue IgG, IgM, and NS1 are tests used to diagnose dengue:

• IgM: Indicates recent infection, detectable 4-5 days after symptoms start.
• IgG: Shows past infection or recovery.
• NS1 detects the virus's protein early in infection (within 1-5 days) and helps diagnose dengue in its initial stages.

5. What is a dengue rapid test for?

A dengue rapid test is used to help diagnose dengue fever early in the infection.