Dengue NS1 Antigen Test

The dengue fever NS1 antigen test is a blood test that detects a specific protein (NS1 antigen) produced by the dengue virus in the early stages of infection. It can help diagnose dengue fever within 24 hours of symptom onset, offering a significant edge over other tests that may take longer.

A small blood sample is required for this test. The sample is collected from a vein usually in your arm using a needle. The procedure takes just a few minutes and is relatively painless, involving only minor discomfort.

The dengue test is typically recommended when someone exhibits symptoms of dengue fever, such as high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain, rash, or mild bleeding (such a nose or gum bleed). The test can be done as early as 24-48 hours from the onset of symptoms.

At Metropolis Healthcare, your dengue test report is typically ready after six hours from sample collection. It's then shared online via email or through the user-friendly Metropolis TruHealth App for easy access.

If you or your loved ones are experiencing symptoms suggestive of dengue, especially during monsoon season or living in a known dengue-prone area, it's advisable to get a dengue fever NS1 antigen test. Early diagnosis improves chances of receiving appropriate treatment sooner.

A negative Dengue NS1 Test generally means that there's no current infection. However, a positive result indicates likely presence of an active dengue infection. It's critical to interpret these results in conjunction with clinical symptoms and under guidance from healthcare providers.

The Dengue NS1 Test requires a serum sample. This is usually obtained by taking blood from your arm and separating the serum from other components.

There is no specific time for this test. It can be performed at any time of day.

No, fasting is not required for this test. You can eat and drink normally before the test.

While the Dengue NS1 test is a powerful tool in early detection, it's best used alongside other tests for a more comprehensive diagnosis. Other tests might include dengue IgM and IgG antibody tests which track your body's immune response to dengue infection.

Consult your healthcare provider if you suspect dengue. They will guide you to a reputable laboratory like Metropolis Healthcare for a reliable dengue test.

A dengue test is done to:

• Detect the presence of non-structural protein NS1 of the mosquito-borne dengue virus.
• Allow rapid detection on the first day of the fever.
• Confirm the presence of mosquito-borne dengue viral infection.
• Diagnose the exposure of the patient to acute infection and dengue virus.   
• Measure the genetic material of the mosquito-borne dengue virus in the stream of blood.

Dengue NS1 Test detects presence of dengue virus in the blood. The test measures the presence of Non-structural Protein1 (NS1) antigen in the bloodstream. It gets produced by the replication of the mosquito-borne dengue virus.

The blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm, using a small needle. After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood will be collected into a test tube or vial. You may feel a  little sting when the needle goes in or out. This usually takes less than five minutes.

Test result positive implies patient is suffering from dengue infection. However, a false positive result may occur due to other flaviviruses like West Nile virus and Yellow fever. Confirmation with dengue RTPCR is recommended.

Test result negative implies that patient is not suffering from dengue infection. Results may be negative if test is done post 9 days of onset of symptoms.

Dengue NS-1 Antigen Test typically doesn't require any special preparation. However, it's always a good idea to follow any specific instructions provided by your healthcare provider or the lab.

The patient must take the dengue test during the initial days of the infection, that is, zero to seven days.

You can obtain the test result within a day.

Febrile (Fever) - In the first three days of the infection, the patient has a fever of 39 to 40 degrees C, along with weakness, eye pain, joint pain, body aches, and weakness.
Critical - Lasts from the 3rd to 7th day of the infection, when the fever and blood pressure are reduced. The patient experiences restlessness, weakness, cold skin, rapid heart rate, vomiting of blood, and internal bleeding.
Convalescent (Recovery) - The patient comes back to a normal state and feels hungry, their pulse is normal, and the only symptom of this stage is a rash on the arms and legs.

Complete Blood Count: Patients with dengue virus infection have platelets less than 1,00,000 /mL. In critical patients, platelets may be as low as 20,000 /mL.

A complete blood count test helps detect the platelet count, RBC, WBC, hemoglobin, and hematocrit.

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People with the following warning signs should do the dengue test:

• Stomach pain
• Vomiting more than three times a day
• Tenderness of stomach
• Restlessness
• Lethargy
• Mucosal bleed
• Enlarged liver

Dengue takes 3 to 14 days to show symptoms in the human body.