Know All About Dengue NS1 Test Results!

The dengue NS1 test detects the presence of NS1 or non-structural protein of the dengue virus. Dengue is a mosquito-infected disease that spreads because of the bite of an infected mosquito. Experts categorized dengue NS1 test results as positive, equivalent, or negative. A doctor can perform a dengue NS1 test at any time of the day. In today’s blog, let’s understand the dengue NS1 test results. 

What is the Dengue NS1 Test? 

The Dengue NS1 test is also known as the dengue nonstructural protein 1 test. In a laboratory, experts use the Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) approach to perform the test and detect the presence of dengue fever in the blood. 

Dengue NS1 antigen in the blood can attack illness, triggering an immunological imbalance. The Dengue NS1 test can help with early detection, treatment, and prevention of the risks of infection and dengue casualties. 

The dengue NS1 test result shows the presence of dengue infection during the first 7 days of the infection or illness. 

What are the Uses of the Dengue NS1 Test? 

The dengue NS1 test is used to identify the dengue virus’s NS1 infection. A doctor can use the dengue NS1 test for: 

• Early diagnosis and treatment to prevent severe health complications. 
• Confirming infection through test results 
• Differentiating between mosquito infections, especially during mosquito breeding season. 

What Are The Symptoms of Dengue NS1?

Dengue’s symptoms are similar to those of other mosquito infections. The dengue NS1 reactive means the presence of the dengue virus in the blood. Some symptoms of dengue are: 

• Severe headaches
• Loss of appetite 
• Weakness, dizziness, or lightheadedness 
• Sudden high fever
• Swollen glands 
• Rashes on the upper limbs and chest 
• Muscle and joint pain 
• Pain behind the eyes 

Dengue NS1 symptoms can last 3-7 days and range from mild to moderate to severe. Redcliffe Labs uses the ELISA testing method to detect NS1 antibodies in the blood. 

What Does The Dengue NS1 Test Measure?

The dengue test measures the NS1 protein of the dengue virus. This protein can cause infection in the blood. Symptoms can appear in up to 7 days, but initially, there are no symptoms. 

If untreated, dengue fever may lead to dengue hemorrhagic fever. Bleeding, blood vomiting, and blood in the stool are some noticeable symptoms of this fever. 

In case the virus progresses, it can attack blood vessels, which can fill fluids around the space of the lungs or the abdominal cavity. 

Dengue shock syndrome (DSS) is another complicated health condition caused by dengue fever. It can affect the immune system and a drop in blood pressure levels, leading to dehydration. Severe complications of DSS may lead to organ failures. 

Your doctor may recommend the dengue IgM and IgG tests for further analysis. Redcliffe Labs offers affordable dengue tests. Book the test and take care of your health. 

How To Prepare The Dengue NS1 Test? 

The dengue NS1 test is a blood test that requires no major preparations. However, your doctor can provide several guidelines for correct test results. 

1. The test needs no fasting, so it is better to follow your daily diet. However, follow a diet if your doctor's advice. 
2. Blood tests can make you feel weak. Make sure you are well-hydrated before the sample collection. 
3. Avoid drinking and eating harmful substances, such as alcohol, tobacco, or other toxic substances. 
4. The dengue NS1 test result may stress your mind. Practice yoga and meditation for a stressful time. 
5. Wear loose clothes that ease your phlebotomist into collecting blood samples. 
6. Only take prescribed meditations during, before, and after the blood sample. 
7. Drink at least 8 glasses of water to keep yourself hydrated. 

Also, read https://redcliffelabs.com/myhealth/health/why-do-mosquitoes-bite-some-people-more-than-others/ 

The Procedure of Dengue NS1 Test 

The dengue NS1 test is a blood test with a simple procedure. Redcliffe Labs makes this procedure easier and more comforting with quality diagnostic service. They provide the dengue NS1 test at INR 588 with a home sample collection service. Here is the procedure that phlebotomists will follow. 

• Firstly, they will ask you to make yourself comfortable by sitting comfortably. 
• They will ask you to roll up your sleeves (in case) for sample collection. 
• They will tie an adhesive tape around your upper arm to collect samples. 
• Ask you to make a fist to locate the correct vein. 
• Once located, they will clean the site to see the vein and prevent skin infection. 
• Next up, they will insert a sterile syringe to collect blood samples. 
• After collecting enough samples, they will transfer them to a test tube. 
• They will put a cotton swab on the punctured site to prevent blood loss. 
• Once all this is done, they will transfer the blood sample to the lab for testing. 
• After booking the dengue NS1 test, you will receive its test reports within 15 hours. 

Risks Associated with The Dengue NS1 Test 

The dengue NS1 test is a simple blood test with no or minor risks. The test needs blood sample collection, which requires the insertion of a sterile syringe. Some risks associated with the dengue NS1 test include: 

1. Slight pain 
2. Weakness
3. Dizziness 
4. Lightheadedness 
5. Hematoma 
6. Excessive blood loss 
7. Bruises 
8. Skin infection 
9. Numbing or tingling in the collected site. 

Also, read https://redcliffelabs.com/myhealth/general-health/are-you-correctly-applying-the-mosquito-repellent/ 

Understanding Dengue Fever NS1 Test Results 

A dengue NS1 test result can be positive, equivocal, and negative. However, several factors can affect the test results. These are: 

• Fever 
• Age
• Type of dengue virus 
• Vaccination 
• Medical history 
• Family history 
• Past infection of dengue virus

Result	Ratio	Interpretation
Positive	> 1.1	It shows the presence of dengue NS1 antigens in the blood. After a fever onset, you should take the test every 5-7 days.
Equivocal	0.9-1.1	Take the dengue NS1 test again after 1 week.
Negative	<0.9	It shows no presence of dengue infections. However, your doctor can collect another sample in 7-14 days.

Key Takeaways 

Dengue is a preventive disease. You can manage it very well with a healthy lifestyle, diet, physical activity, and avoiding areas with mosquitos. The dengue NS1 test results vary based on the range. They can be positive, equal, or negative. 

The dengue NS1 test helps locate the dengue virus, its symptoms, and effective treatments. If you see symptoms, book the test from Redcliffe Labs. They ensure 100% correct reports, helping you understand your health and diagnose any underlying medical condition. So, what are you waiting for? Book the Dengue NS1 Test from Redcliffe Labs today and take a step towards a healthy you.