DENGUE ANTOBODY IGG

The Dengue Antibody IgG test is a blood test used to diagnose dengue fever. Dengue fever is a viral disease caused by one of the four serotypes of dengue virus. The dengue antibody IgG test checks for the presence of IgG antibodies against the dengue virus in blood. IgG antibodies are produced by the body’s immune system and is usually produced after the body is infected by a virus. They are particularly effective in neutralizing pathogens and providing long-term immunity against subsequent infections. 

The test is performed using a basic and quick method known as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay ELISA. In this technique, the blood sample is mixed with a solution that has the dengue virus. If IgG antibodies are in the blood, they would bind to the virus and the result of the test would read as positive. 

The Dengue Antibody IgG test identifies the degree of IgG antibody levels in the blood for the dengue antigens. It can identify new infections as well as those that occurred in the past. If an individual has a recent infection, the amount of IgG antibodies in the blood will eventually increase over time. Past infections will record an elevation in IgG antibodies which indicates a level of immunity.  

The Dengue Antibody IgG test is often taken when one suspects they have dengue fever due to the following symptoms: Inflicted headache, Ailments fever, Eye, joints and muscle ache, Rash, and Bleeding. Individuals returning from places where dengue is prevalent, or people affected with the virus are suggested to undergo this test as well.  

Like any medical test, dengue antibody IgG test too has some risks, although, few: The test might not be able to illustrate the presence of IgG antibodies during the initial stages of infection. 

• The assessment might fail to separate dengue fever from other experienced viral infections. 
• The diagnosis is not completely sensitive or specific. 

The Dengue Antibody IgG test checks for levels of IgG antibodies specific to the dengue virus within one’s blood. These parameters include: 

• Determining whether IgG antibodies were produced. 
• Monitoring levels of IgG which can help evaluate the extent of the infection. 
• The class and subclass of IgG antibodies produced also helps in staging the infection. 

The following individuals should consider taking the Dengue Antibody IgG test: 

• Those with signs of dengue fever. 
• People who have travelled recently to regions with a high incidence of dengue fever. 
• People who are known to have contracted the virus. 
• Women who are pregnant since it assists in confirming dengue fever in the unborn child. 

The Dengue Antibody IgG test has put forth certain benefits, including but not limited to: 

• Correctly diagnosing someone with dengue fever. 
• Treating the infection in a proper manner and within the appropriate timeframe. 
• Managing any complications that may arise post-diagnosis. 
• Decreasing the chance of the infection spreading to other people. 

The conditions diagnosed using the Dengue Antibody IgG test are: 

• Dengue fever 
• Severe dengue 
• Dengue haemorrhagic fever 
• Dengue shock syndrome 

To prepare for the test, one must: 

• Not fast before the test. 
• Avoid any medications that could interfere with the test. 
• Talk to your doctor about any other health issues you may have. 
• Give blood. 

 Prerequisites: The test has no special requirements. 

 Eligibility: All people can take this test including children and pregnant women.  

 Procedure For Taking the Test: A trained phlebotomist or nurse takes the test by drawing blood from a vein in the arm. 

Caution Prior To The Test: Before the examination, you should tell your doctor about your allergies to medicine, as well as any other infections you have suffered from.