The month of December brings seasonal disorders like dengue and malaria that are not easily detectable at a glance. Here at KNDC we deal with the diagnostic part of helping patients through the process of investigation and diagnosis to prevent reoccurrences of diseases. We have created an online platform mainly to reach out to the ones that need care and provide information to them from the comfort of their homes.

At KNDC We Care.

DENGUE

Diagnosing dengue at home can be difficult as its signs and symptoms can be easily confused with other diseases like malaria, leptospirosis and typhoid . Hence dengue can only be detected through lab tests.

Symptoms like muscle pain, decreased urination, lethargy and fever needs lab tests that vary depending on the time of infection and the appearance of the symptoms.

NS1 Antigen

It’s the blood test that is done to detect the dengue virus at an initial period of the infection. The tests are done within the five days of the appearance of symptoms as after five to seven days, the chances of negative results or false positive results are higher. The results of the tests can be obtained within a day , also the NS1 Antigen test is cheaper than other dengue lab tests.

Immunoglobulin M (IgM)

This test is to detect IgM  or antibodies present in the blood, which appear in the early course of the infection . The test also helps to differentiate patients with first time infection and patients with second time infection. It is strictly advised to undergo a IgM test, if the patient is experiencing symptoms of dengue for more than 7 or 10 days. The results of the test can be obtained in 30 minutes or 1 to 2 days depending on the lab.

Immunoglobulin G (IgG)

The patient is tested for the detection of infection in the later course of the disease as the level       of IgG in the blood increases slowly ,usually in the time span of six to ten days after the infection is detected whereas the antibodies remains in the blood for 90 days or so. This test has to be done after a week or 15 days of infection to facilitate recovery. The test result can be obtained from the lab after 7 days or more.

NA PCR test

It is known as a primary test to detect dengue virus at the beginning of the infection. A positive result confirms the infection and also helps to identify the type of virus. This test is 95% specific and provides positive results if the test is done within the time frame of five days after the appearance of symptoms. It detects the viral genome and can be performed only in specific labs. The test result can be obtained within a day or two.