Typhidot Test - Price, Purpose, Procedure, Results, & More

What is the Typhidot test?

The Typhidot test helps doctors diagnose typhoid fever caused by a bacterium called Salmonella typhi. The immune system produces the IgM and IgG antibodies to help the body get rid of the bacteria. A Typhidot test is an Elisa-based dot kit that supports quality testing and detects IgG and IgM antibodies. 

Typhoid spreads through contaminated food or water. Typhoid fever is not easy to handle as it can threaten life. A quick diagnosis is needed to ensure appropriate treatment and prevent typhoid outbreaks. 

What are the common symptoms of the Typhidot test?

A Typhidot test is a rapid serological test, often a part of a routine health check, and is recommended when a healthcare provider finds symptoms suggestive of the same. 

1. Body pain with fever
2. Fatigue and weakness
3. Gradual increase in the body temperature
4. Bloating
5. Stomach pain 
6. Diarrhea
7. Loss of appetite
8. Cough

What is the purpose of the test?

A Typhidot test aims to detect the presence of Typhoid fever using a blood sample. It is a dot enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) that checks for antibodies in the body. A healthcare professional may also suggest a test if you have recently traveled to areas with a high prevalence of typhoid fever.

Other scenarios when a doctor may suggest a Typhidot test: 

Other scenarios when a doctor may suggest a Typhidot test are when a typhoid fever is accompanied by other symptoms such as: 

• Abnormal heart rate
• Excessive sweating
• Intestinal haemorrhage 
• Enlarged liver and spleen 
• Abnormally swollen abdomen 

When should you contact a doctor?

Conditions when you should see a doctor in Typhidot fever include: 

• If you have traveled to a typhoid alert area and developed the symptoms,. 
• If you have come into contact with someone who has high typhoid fever. 
• If you develop symptoms of typhoid fever, such as severe abdominal pain, body pain, etc., or may develop other new symptoms. 
• Have a high chance of typhoid fever symptoms coming back again. 

How can you prepare for a Typhidot test?

IgG and IgM antibodies in the Typhoid test indicate acute typhoid fever. However, the absence of these antibodies indicates a past Salmonella infection. 

There are no specific preparatory steps before the Typhidot test. It will help if you contact your healthcare provider in case you are taking medicines or health supplements. He may suggest discontinuing them for a few days to improve the accuracy of the test results.

On the other hand, fasting may also not be required before a Typhidot test if you have any underlying medical condition. 

Kindly discuss your doubts or concerns with a healthcare provider to get the best possible advice and thus improve the accuracy of test results. 

What is the procedure of a Typhidot test?

A Typhidot test involves a blood, urine, stool, or bone marrow sample. The first three methods are quite simple and involve minimal risks. 

Although the bone marrow sampling for a Typhidot testing is the most accurate method, it is time-consuming and painful for the patient. 

A Typhidot blood test is performed in the following ways: 

• An expert will tie a tourniquet band firmly to your upper arm. 
• Then, he will ask you to make a tight fist, ensuring the veins fill with blood, making it easier to collect blood. 
• Once he locates the veins, he will clean the site with an antiseptic liquid to prevent bacteria from entering your body. 
• The needle is then inserted into the vein, and the blood is collected in a vacutainer tube. 
• Then he will take out the needle, release the elastic band, and ask you to open the fist. A gauze pad or cotton is then applied to the site to prevent the bleeding. 
• Lastly, the sample will be sent to the laboratory for analysis and report initiation. 

Note: After the Typhidot test is over, you can resume your daily activities, eat, drink, and move around. Consult your Typhidot test reports with your healthcare provider and comprehend if there are any concerns. 

What are the benefits of a Typhidot test results?

A Typhidot test is generally recommended in the diagnosis of typhoid. It is an easy-to-use, quick, and a reliable option for the accurate and timely diagnosis of typhoid fever. It is safe for everyone. 

The benefits of a Typhidot IgM test include: 

• It helps in the early and accurate detection of typhoid fever. 
• It is rapid and reliable. 
• No other specimen is required except a blood sample. 
• Easy understanding of test results. 
• It is affordable. 
• No special equipment is required 

What do the positive Typhidot test results mean?

The normal range for a Typhidot test varies between 4 to 16 ug/L. A positive test result may mean that you have an infection of the Salmonella species. Let’s discover it in detail. 

• IgM Positive: If your Typhidot IgM test result is positive, it indicates an acute, active infection. IgM antibodies appear within the first week, so a positive result likely means a recent infection. 
• IgG Positive: If your IgG antibodies are positive, it indicates a later stage or a past infection in the recovery phase.
• Both IgM and IgG Positive: If both IgG and IgM antibodies are positive, this may indicate an active Salmonella typhi, possibly in a transitional stage, where both types of antibodies are produced. 

7 Differences between the Widal and Typhidot Tests 

The difference between Widal and Typhidot test is as follows: 

Factor	Widal Test	Typhidot test
Purpose	It helps detect Salmonella typhi and Salmonella paratyphi antigens in the blood.	It helps detect antibodies against Salmonella typhi in the blood.
Test Type	Agglutination Test	Dot-ELISA test
Time to Results	2-3 days	1-3 hours
Sensitivity	Low sensitivity, which tends to increase after a week or two of the onset of symptoms.	Highly sensitive. The detection of antibodies occurs as early as 2–3 days after the symptoms arrive. .
Specificity	Low	High
Cost	Inexpensive	Relatively Expensive
Interpretation of Results	The results depend on the titer of antibodies present in the serum of the patient	The results depend on the presence or absence of IgG and IgM antibodies.

Also Read: https://redcliffelabs.com/myhealth/food-creative/typhoid-diet-chart-food-to-eat-and-avoid/

6 Quick tips to recover from Typhidot fever

Below are quick tips to recover from Typhidot fever quickly: 

1. Stay hydrated. It is essential to stay hydrated during typhoid recovery. Drink plenty of water and other fluids, such as coconut water, clear broths, herbal teas, and ORS. 
2. Take medicines: Take prescribed medicines to experience a speedy recovery. 
3. Healthy Eating: Include fruits and vegetables in your diet to strengthen your immune system and help maintain a healthy gut. 
4. Rest is important. Ensure you rest as much as you can and avoid physical activity. 
5. Take vaccination: Get the typhoid vaccine on time to prevent bacterial infection. 
6. Maintain Hygiene: Practice good hygiene. Consume safe, clean food and water resources. 

Conclusion

The Typhidot test provides a quality assessment of antibodies, IgM, and IgG. These antibodies are produced in response to the bacteria that causes typhoid. 

Typhoid is a serious illness that can easily spread and pose threats to life. Therefore, early and accurate diagnosis of the disease is vital. It helps in the effective treatment of typhoid and its associated symptoms. 

Book a Typhidot blood test from Redcliffe Labs for INR 450! 

The most reliable test for typhoid fever is a blood test. Hence, if a doctor suggests a blood test based on your specific symptoms, don’t delay. Book an appointment for a Typhidot IgG and IgM test from Redcliffe Labs for INR 450 only. Enjoy the convenience of a home sample collection and accurate reports typically within 12 hours. 

Step-by-step instructions to book a blood test online from Redcliffe Labs! 

1. Go to the official Redcliffe Labs website: https://redcliffelabs.com/ 
2. Browse or search for the specific test you need. 
3. Add the test to the cart. 
4. Complete the payment process online.
5. You will receive confirmation through SMS and Whatsapp.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a Typhidot test?

A typhidot test is a blood test that detects the presence of antibodies against the Salmonella typhi bacteria in the body, causing typhoid fever. The test checks for both IgG and IgM antibodies, where a positive result in both antibodies indicates an outbreak of recent infection.

2. Is a blood test important for the Typhidot test?

Yes. The blood culture tests are considered more reliable to diagnose typhoid fever. The most accurate results are available within a week of symptom onset. 

3. When should I take a typhoid test?

You should take the typhoid test within a week of symptom onset. Common symptoms of the Typhidot test are headache, fever, body pain, abdominal pain, and fatigue, among others. 

4. How does the Typhidot test help? 

A Typhidot test helps in the diagnosis of the bacteria Salmonella typhi in the blood, resulting in typhoid fever. 

5. What are the different names of the Typhidot test?

The different names of the Typhidot tests are Typhidot IgG and IgM tests, blood culture tests, typhoid tests, and antibody tests. 

6. Why is the Typhidot test performed?

The typhidot test measures the body’s production of antibodies against the bacteria and can determine if you have typhoid fever, even if you have no or mild symptoms. You can experience symptoms like fever, headache, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.

7. How does the Typhidot test work?

The typhidot test works by analyzing the sample of blood. These will be examined under a microscope for the Salmonella typhi bacteria that cause typhoid fever. A positive typhidot IgM test indicates a recent typhoid infection, while a positive IgG test indicates a past infection.

8. Is fasting required before the Typhidot test?

The typhidot test needs no fasting. However, your healthcare professional may suggest fasting after analyzing your current health.

9. How accurate is the Typhidot test?

The typhoid test is associated with sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value, making it highly accurate. However, the accuracy of the typhidot test depends on the patient and the timing of the test. It’s a reliable option to manage typhoid fever and provide timely treatment.

10. What are the advantages of the Typhidot test over traditional methods?

Typhidot test is a rapid, advanced, and reliable testing method, which detects typhoid fever more easily and accurately than the traditional method. It is a simple and easy test that doesn’t require any special equipment or apparatus.

11. Are there any risks associated with the Typhidot test?

A typhidot test requires your blood sample to detect the presence of typhoid fever. There are no major risks associated. However, you may feel slight pain, excessive bleeding, fainting, or lightheadedness, which disappears within a couple of minutes.

12. Can the Typhidot test detect other illnesses?

Typhidot test can detect other illnesses such as malaria, dengue fever, liver abscess, urinary tract infection, respiratory tract infection, pulmonary tuberculosis, gastroenteritis, and arthritis.

13. What does a positive Typhidot test indicate?

A positive typhidot test result indicates that you have or recently had typhoid fever. The test can detect the presence of IgM antibodies in the blood, produced by the immune system as a response to acute infection or illness.

14. Is the Typhidot test suitable for children?

Yes, the typhidot test is safe and effective for children. It is a quick and easy-to-use testing procedure that can diagnose typhoid fever in people of all ages.

15. Can the Typhidot test be done at home?

Yes, a typhidot test can be done at home by booking the test online. Redcliffe Labs offers a typhidot test with a home sample collection service. A phlebotomist will visit your home for sample collection and you will receive the results within 24 hours, through an online message.