What is a Fever Panel Test? When and Why You Need It

A fever is a common symptom indicating your body is fighting an infection or illness. The cause of symptoms may vary from person to person. A mild fever resolves independently, while a persistent or high fever may indicate a serious health issue that requires medical attention. Fever can happen due to infections, inflammation, or other health problems. To help find the cause early, doctors suggest a fever panel test, which checks for common fevers like Typhoid, Malaria, and other conditions that cause fever.

Consult your doctor, and they may suggest some blood tests to detect the root cause of the fever. Here comes the fever panel test. The tests include CBC, ESR, Malaria Antigen (Rapid Card), SGOT, SGPT, Widal test, urine routine, and microscopic examination.

Let's explore the importance of a fever panel test, when and where it should be administered, and more. 

What is a Fever Panel Test?

A Fever Panel Test is a comprehensive test that covers various fever parameters to identify the cause of a fever. The package is recommended when the source of the fever is not clear. The test checks for various infections caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites, making it easier for healthcare providers to identify the cause of illness.

Here are the parameters covered under the fever panel test-

• Complete Blood Count (CBC)
• ESR
• SGOT and SGPT
• Malaria Test (Rapid or Smear)
• Typhoid (Widal Test or TyphiDot)
• Urine Examination

Purpose of the Fever Panel Test

The main purpose of the fever panel test is to identify the cause of persistent fever. Here are the key purposes of the fever panel test:

1. To detect common infections, such as malaria and typhoid, that often cause fever. 
2. To check for inflammation in the body using ESR and CBC tests, which can detect bacterial or viral infections.
3. Assess liver function with SGOT/AST and SGPT/ALT since liver problems can sometimes cause fever.
4. To find urinary tract infections through urine tests.
5. The test helps to identify the cause and enables the doctor to choose the right medicines, such as antibiotics or antimalarials.

The fever panel test helps in early diagnosis and allows for timely treatment to prevent the fever from becoming more serious.

What does the Fever Panel Test detect?

The Fever Panel Test can detect the causes of a variety of fevers, including:

• Infections: 

• Malaria Antigen (Rapid Card) and MP Smear detect malaria parasites in the blood.
• The Widal Test checks for typhoid fever by identifying antibodies against Salmonella bacteria.
• Urine Routine & Microscopy helps detect urinary tract infections (UTIs), which can also cause fever.
• Inflammation
• The CBC test detects the signs of infection, inflammation, or anemia. For example, a high white blood cell count may indicate bacterial infection.
• ESR detects inflammation anywhere in the body, possibly due to infection or other medical conditions.
• Liver Health:
• SGOT (AST) and SGPT (ALT) measure liver enzymes. High levels can indicate liver infections (like viral hepatitis) or damage, which can cause fever.

Also read: Common Causes of Persistent Fever and How Tests Can Help

Preparation required for the Fever Panel Test

The fever panel test is a blood test that requires minimal preparation. Here are what you need to keep in mind before taking the fever panel test-

• Fasting- The fever panel test does not require fasting. You can eat and drink as usual before the test.
• Hydration- Keep yourself hydrated before the test to make the blood collection process smoother. 
• Medications- Inform your doctor of any medications you are taking.

However, if you have any doubts, consult your doctor. They may help you clarify all your doubts.

Procedure of the Fever Panel Test

Like other diagnostic tests, the fever panel test is a simple blood test. Here is the procedure for the test- 

• A phlebotomist first cleans the arm area with an antiseptic solution. He then ties a band over the arm area to make the veins clearer. 
• He will then use a sterile needle to collect the blood sample. You might feel a little pain and discomfort during the procedure, but this will eventually return to normal.
• You can return to normal daily activities unless your doctor advises otherwise.
• The phlebotomist provider will remove the needle and put a bandage over the puncture site.
• The fever panel test results will be available within 15 hours of sample collection.

What do the Fever Panel Test reports indicate?

The fever panel test reports will help your doctor understand the cause of a fever. Here is what the fever panel test does-

1. Complete Blood Count (CBC): 

• A high white blood cell (WBC) count may indicate bacterial infection.
• Low platelet count could be a sign of dengue or malaria.
• Low hemoglobin or red blood cells might show anemia or other blood-related issues.

2. Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR):

• A high ESR indicates inflammation in the body, possibly due to infection or other diseases, such as autoimmune conditions.

3. Malaria Antigen (Rapid Card) and MP Smear:

• A positive result confirms the presence of Plasmodium parasites, indicating malaria.

4. Widal Test:

• Detects antibodies against Salmonella typhi. A high titer suggests a possible typhoid fever infection.

5. SGOT (AST) and SGPT (ALT):

• High levels of these liver enzymes may indicate liver infection or damage, which could indicate viral hepatitis or other conditions affecting the liver.

6. Urine Routine and Microscopy:

• The presence of pus cells, bacteria, or blood in the urine may indicate a urinary tract infection (UTI), which can cause fever.

The reports of fever panel tests help the doctor identify the cause of fever, whether it is due to malaria, typhoid, a UTI, liver issues, or inflammation. This lets your doctor understand your reports and decide on the appropriate treatment. 

When should you take the Fever Panel Test?

You should consider taking a Fever Panel Test if you experience:

• Fever persisting for more than 3 days
• High-grade fever with chills and sweating
• Fever with other symptoms like headache, body aches, rash, or fatigue
• Weakness and loss of appetite
• Travel history

Also read: Shivering Without Fever: Causes, Symptoms, & More Information.

Why do you need the Fever Panel Test?

A fever panel test helps identify the root cause of the issue and helps understand the right treatment. Here are the main reasons why a fever panel test is important:

1. Accurate Diagnosis- It helps detect infections like malaria, typhoid, or urinary tract infections.
2. Helps in Proper Treatment- Once the cause is known, the doctor can prescribe the right medicines, such as antibiotics, antimalarials, or antivirals, depending on the condition.
3. Avoids Complications- If infections like malaria or typhoid are not treated early, they can lead to serious health issues.
4. Monitors Overall Health- The fever panel test also checks for signs of inflammation, liver function, and blood count, and provides a complete health overview.

Who should take the Fever Panel Test?

The doctor may recommend the fever panel test to:

• People with persistent or high fever
• Children and older adults with preexisting health issues
• People with weak immune systems
• People who have a recent travel history

What are the common symptoms related to Fever?

Here are the common symptoms of fever:

• Body aches
• Headache
• Chills and shivering
• Nausea or vomiting
• Skin rash
• Fatigue
• Sore throat
• Dehydration

Fever Panel Test Price at Redcliffe Labs

At Redcliffe Labs, the Fever Panel Test is available at an affordable price. You can book your test with them. Here are the benefits of booking a fever panel test with us:

• Home sample collection
• Online booking and reports
• Certified labs
• Fast turnaround time (within 24-48 hours)
• 100% Accurate Reports

Read more: Understanding Fever Profile Tests: What You Need to Know.

The Key Takeaways

Since many different infections or health problems can cause fever, this test includes standard tests that check for conditions like malaria, typhoid, urinary tract infections, and liver issues. It also looks for signs of inflammation or changes in blood cells, which can help the doctor understand what is happening inside the body.

The fever panel test is safe and quick, and provides useful information that helps the doctor diagnose. When the cause of a fever is known early, your doctor starts the treatment early and prevents the illness from worsening. 

If your fever doesn't go away after a few days or symptoms like chills, tiredness, or body aches, your doctor may recommend a fever panel test.

FAQ

1. What is the fever panel test price?

The price of the fever panel test may range from INR 799 to INR 2000. You can choose the best package according to your requirements and the tests suggested by your doctor.

2. Is fasting required before a Fever Panel Test?

No, the fever panel test does not require fasting. You can eat and drink as usual before the test. 

3. How long does it take to get the Fever Panel Test results?

The fever panel test reports will be available within 15 hours of sample collection.

4. Can the fever panel test be done at home?

You can book your fever panel test at home from Redcliffe Labs.

5. What is an LFT test for a fever?

The LFT test assesses liver health and function and helps to detect any abnormalities or complications during viral fever.