Typhidot Test Report: Normal Range, Results Interpretation & What They Mean for You

Has your doctor recently advised you to take a typhidot test? Do you wonder what it is all about? 

Today’s blog is about giving you a complete insight into a typhidot test, including its normal range, what to do if levels are outside the normal range, and more. This is to help you understand your report with confidence. 

The typhidot blood test diagnoses Salmonella typhi, the bacterium that causes typhoid fever. Healthcare professionals use this test to identify infections early so treatment can begin. 

Let’s understand the test in detail. 

What is a typhidot test, and what does it do?

In simple words, the typhidot test is used to detect typhoid fever. It identifies IgM and IgG antibodies that the body produces when infected with Salmonella typhi. The test uses a dot ELISA kit that screens for these antibodies against the outer membrane protein of Salmonella typhi. 

• IgG antibodies: These antibodies are usually from past exposure or infection. 
• IgM antibodies: These antibodies usually indicate a recent or current infection. 

A typhidot test is qualitative, and results are usually reported as positive or negative, not quantitative. 

Healthcare professionals suggest the test because: 

1. It detects infection early: The primary purpose of the typhidot test is to help detect infections as early as 2-3 days after symptoms begin. It provides quick, easy-to-understand results. 
2. Recommended for patients with symptoms: The test is recommended for patients presenting with symptoms such as:

• Persistent fever
• Stomach pain
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Sometimes rash or swelling 

3. Reliable with good sensitivity: The typhidot test for typhoid fever is widely used because it is safe and reliable with good sensitivity and specificity. 
4. Used with other tests: False positive results may appear, especially in individuals vaccinated against typhoid or exposed to other Salmonella strains. Consequently, the test is done in c other tests such as the Widal and blood culture for comprehensive diagnosis. 

Patient Guidance 

• Prompt medical intervention using a typhidot test supports timely treatment and reduces risks of complications such as bleeding or severe systemic infection. 
• Always discuss your positive results with a qualified professional to gain insights and what to do next for the timely management of the disease.

What is the normal range of a typhidot test?

The typhidot test normal range does not show numbers or values like sugar or cholesterol tests. The normal range for a Typhidot test is generally considered "negative" for both IgM and IgG antibodies. It means no signs of typhoid infection in your blood. 

Some labs may use the 4-16 µg/L normal range in Typhidot indicating IgM/IgG antibody levels below this threshold. Anything above gives positive results. However, these cut offs are not standardized worldwide, so labs report it simply as positive or negative. 

Test Component	Reference Range
IgM	Negative (<4 ug/L)
IgG	Negative (<4 ug/L)

What do these levels mean for you?

The levels may mean for you: 

1. Negative (IgM/IgG) means the normal result. 

A typhidot test negative means no current or past typhoid infection is present. 

2. Positive (IgM & IgG)

A typhidot test positive points to both recent and longer-term immune responses. 

3. If IgM is positive but IgG is negative

It suggests a recent or active infection. Your body has just begun to fight against Salmonella typhi. Additional testing may be needed to confirm the diagnosis and begin treatment if needed. 

4. If IgG is positive, but IgM is negative

It indicates a past infection or recovery from typhoid. It may also mean you were exposed or vaccinated earlier.

Note: Always discuss typhidot test levels with your doctor to make the interpretation even easier. 

What to do if your levels are not in the normal range?

If your Typhidot test shows positive results (IgM and/or IgG), do not panic. Here is what you can do: 

1. Consult your doctor immediately

A positive typhidot test for typhoid fever suggests current or past infection. Hospitalization may also be needed, especially, if you may experience: 

1. High fever
2. Severe abdominal pain
3. Skin rashes (in rare cases) 
4. Intestinal perforation. 
5. Weakness

Common symptoms include

1. Headache
2. Loss of appetite
3. Diarrhea
4. Constipation
5. Fatigue 

2. General Lifestyle Advice 

Lifestyle modifications can help manage abnormal results for a typhidot test for typhoid fever. It may include: 

1. Practice good hygiene

Good hygiene refers to:

• Wash hands properly.
• Keep your body clean. 
• Avoid contaminated food and water. 
• Maintain proper sanitation to prevent spreading typhoid to others. 

2. Follow prescribed treatment

Stick to your doctor’s treatment plan. He will treat you with the most appropriate antibiotics that work the best for you. Avoid self-medication because misuse of antibiotics can cause resistance. 

3. Stay hydrated and rest

Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, and other fluids in typhoid, replacing lost electrolytes. 

a) Hydration & Electrolytes

1. To address dehydration, always drink boiled or filtered water to avoid re-infection. 
2. Oral rehydration solution (ORS) can help restore lost electrolytes and fluids. 
3. Other fluids such as coconut water, herbal teas, and diluted fruit juices can also support speedy recovery

b) Additionally, taking adequate rest allows your body to heal properly and you feel better. 

4. Dietary Adjustments

A soft, bland diet in typhoid is easy to digest. Opt for mashed potatoes, smooth dairy products like yogurt and pudding, whole grains such as boiled rice or khichdi, fruits such as bananas and stewed apples, and steamed or boiled vegetables like carrots and pumpkin. They are excellent choices for smooth digestion and prevent digestive discomfort. 

5. Monitor symptoms

Persistent high fever, abdominal pain, or worsening weakness should be reported immediately to your doctor.

Typhidot test for fever interpretation should always be done with a qualified healthcare professional, as results can vary depending on your symptoms, medical history, and other test findings.

FAQs

1. What is the normal range of the Typhidot test?

The typhidot test normal range is negative, meaning neither Typhidot IgM normal range nor Typhidot IgG normal range shows antibodies against Salmonella typhi. A negative result usually indicates no current or past typhoid infection, though very early cases may still not be detected.

2. What does a positive Typhidot test mean?

A positive typhidot test means the IgG and IgM antibodies are present against Salmonella typhi. If IgG is positive, it shows past exposure or recovery. If IgM is positive, it shows a recent or current infection. Both positives may suggest an ongoing infection with evidence of prior exposure. 

3. How long do antibodies stay after typhoid infection?

IgM antibodies usually show up in the first week you're sick and then decline after recovery. IgG antibodies take a bit longer to develop, and they may persist for months or even years. This becomes difficult to interpret because their presence might just mean past exposure rather than an active infection.

4. Does a negative Typhidot test rule out typhoid?

Not always. A negative result often means no antibodies were found, but if you take the test too soon, the immune system may not have produced enough antibodies. If you still have symptoms, it's a good idea to get tested again or a confirmatory blood culture is recommended if symptoms continue.

5. Do I need special preparation for a Typhidot test?

You don't need to do anything special for a typhidot test. Eat and drink (only water) as you usually do before the blood sample is taken. Always tell your doctor about any medicines you're taking, since some drugs or antibiotics could interfere with the test results.

6. Which is more reliable: Widal, blood culture, or Typhidot test?

Among the three tests, the blood culture remains the gold standard and the most reliable. It directly detects the bacteria, but it has limitations like longer time to results and sensitivity affected by prior antibiotic use. Typhidot is faster and more specific than widal, which is less reliable due to false positives. Ideally, doctors may use a combination of tests depending on the stage and severity of infection.

Conclusion

The Typhidot test is a valuable diagnostic tool to detect antibodies against Salmonella typhi and helps determine whether a typhoid infection is recent or has occurred in the past. 

A negative typhidot result means no infection, while a positive result requires close monitoring under the guidance of an expert, who may evaluate your symptoms and additional testing for confirmation. 

Just got tested? Enter your typhidot test levels below in the test value evaluator to understand what your values mean.