Dengue IgM Test
Frontline of
Dengue Diagnosis
With Dengue
IgM Test
The Dengue IgM
test is a diagnostic blood test that is used to diagnose acute and recent
dengue infections. It measures the presence and levels of immunoglobulin M
(IgM) in the blood; which are produced by the blood in response to a recent
exposure to dengue virus. The test is highly helpful in determining if a person
is currently infected with dengue virus and is experiencing acute infection.
IgM antibodies start appearing in the blood 3-5 days after the symptoms
manifest and their level is highest at 1-2 weeks after the onset of
symptoms. The Dengue IgM Test is helpful
in differential diagnosis as it helps in differentiating among dengue and other
infections that present with the same symptoms.
Overview of the Key Aspects of Dengue IgM Test
Purpose of this Test:
The dengue IgM
test is often used to diagnose and detect acute or recent dengue infections,
differentiate between primary and secondary infections, and confirm the
suspected cases of dengue when clinical symptoms manifest. It also helps in identifying
and differentiating between different infections that share similar symptoms
such as Zika virus and chikungunya.
Procedure:
●
The healthcare provider will
clean the area on the arm with antiseptic to make it sterile and then they will
insert a needle at the targeted area.
●
The healthcare provider will
then collect blood sample in a specialised tube and put a cotton pad or gauze
on the puncture.
●
The blood sample will be then
sent to the laboratory to separate serum from blood cells and for further
testing and analysis.
● The dengue IgM test is carried
out using specialised kits that contains dengue-specific antigens and
antibodies which is then added to the sample to measure the levels of and
presence of dengue-specific antibodies.
●
Quality control tests are
carried out to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the test results.
●
The laboratory will then send
the results with a positive or negative interpretation.
●
It is important to discuss the
results with the healthcare provider to determine further treatment measures.
Benefits:
●
Relatively quick, safe, and
non-invasive test
●
Helps in early detection of
acute dengue infections to enable timely treatment
●
Enables accurate diagnosis and
differentiation of dengue from other febrile illnesses
●
Enables differentiating between
primary and secondary infections
●
Helps in better treatment
management strategies and improving patient outcomes
●
Helps in preventing progression
to severe dengue infection
●
Helps in supporting public
health measures to prevent and control the spread of this disease
Before
undergoing the dengue test, patients must consult their healthcare provider as
they will determine if the testing is appropriate based on medical history,
symptoms, and other factors. Patients must inform their healthcare providers of
medical history, any ongoing medications, recent surgical procedures, or if the
patient has recently travelled to places where dengue may be prevalent. This
will help in accurate diagnosis and treatment implementation. Patients must
follow any guidelines that their healthcare providers give regarding
preparations, testing, and post-test care. Patients who are pregnant, have
medical conditions, or have compromised immune system need to talk to their
healthcare provider before the test as it can have special considerations for
them.
