Dengue Rapid Card Test (Dengue Test)

Dengue rapid card test

It is a quick test that aids in the diagnosis of dengue infection caused by dengue virus. The test detects NS1 antigen, IgG and IgM antibodies from whole Blood, serum or plasma. Dengue spreads due to bite of infected aedes aegypti mosquito. This infection is common in certain areas and may cause severe morbidity and even mortality.

Dengue infection may present with no symptoms to mild illness or severe disease. Mild dengue infection may present after 4 to 10 Days of mosquito bite and present as

• High grade fever (104 F)
• Headache
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Muscle and bone pain
• Rashes
• Eye pain

The mild infection recovers in about 7 to 10 Days. However, disease can worsen and can even lead to death. The severe form of dengue is also called dengue haemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome. This severe dengue infection presents as:

• Severe abdominal pain
• Excessive vomiting
• Nose and gum bleeding
• Blood in urine, stools or vomit
• Bleeding under skin causing bruises
• Excessive tiredness
• Restlessness
• Difficulty in breathing

Dengue infection can be avoided by preventing mosquito bites and controlling mosquito breeding. The following steps may help to prevent mosquito bites:

• Wear protective clothing such as long-sleeved shirts, pants or trousers, socks and shoes
• Use mosquito repellent containing permethrin, DEET etc.
• Avoid stagnant water where mosquitoes breed.
• Stay in well-screened place to prevent entry of mosquitoes

Why is dengue rapid card test prescribed?

Your health care provider may advise this dengue test for rapid diagnosis of dengue infection. This test detects NS1 antigen, IgG and IgM antibodies in your blood sample.

NS1 is a non-structural protein that is secreted in blood during early phase of dengue infection.

IgM antibodies are produced by your immune system during initial phase of infection. Level of IgM antibodies rise for few weeks and then slowly decrease. Its level then becomes undetectable after few months. If IgM antibody test is negative it means there is no dengue infection or antibody levels are too low to be measurable (during early phase of infection).

IgG antibodies are also produced by your immune system in dengue infection. This test helps to diagnose recent or past infection. IgG antibodies are produced slowly after infection but it stays for long time in blood.

Procedure and prerequisites

This dengue test kit consists of two devices:

• First device detects NS1 antigen
• Second device detects IgG and IgM antibodies

This test is done on your blood sample. No special preparation is required for this test.

Advantages of dengue rapid test

• This test can be done from DAY1 of occurrence of symptoms.
• Highly sensitive and specific.
• Can diagnose both primary (first episode of dengue infection) and secondary infection(repeat dengue infection).
• Gives quick result (in 15 minutes) & reliable.