DENGUE PROFILE - RAPID

The Dengue Profile – Rapid Test is a rapid diagnostic test. It uses clinical history and testing of blood samples to determine exposure to dengue virus infection. The presence or absence of certain Dengue related antigens and antibodies aids in the management and treatment of the infection. The test is very important since early diagnosis of dengue would prevent the progression to more severe stages of the disease, hence help in improving the management of the patients. 

The Dengue Profile – Rapid Test is concerned with measuring the health indicators of the individual with respect to having the dengue virus. It tests for the presence of the NS1 antigen which confirms that the person is actively exposed to the dengue virus. While it also tests for IgM and IgG which are markers for any current or prior infection of the dengue virus. 

The Dengue Rapid Test Profile And its Procedures are usually advised to those who have certain signs of dengue virus like High grade fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, aching muscles and joints, a rash and any moderate bleeding such as from the nose or gums. It is also recommended during outbreaks in endemic regions or in populations that have low prevalence of dengue and have recently returned from such regions. 

There is normally no serious risk and it is not invasive, for it involves simply taking a blood sample. But then again there is cross reactivity and sensitivity issues particularly when the test is done early in the progression or second exposure to the dengue infection. There can be false negatives if the person is tested too early after being exposed to the virus, while false positives can be caused by specific cross-reactivity to other viruses of the flavivirus family. For veracity, the use of several other techniques that are specific for confirmatory testing are commonly suggested. 

The parameters evaluated in the Dengue Profile - Rapid Test include: 

• NS1 Antigen: Indicator of an active viral infection. It usually appears two days after the beginning of symptoms. 
• IgM Antibodies: Suggests that a recent or current infection in the body. 
• IgG Antibodies: This means that the person is infected in the past or it is a late stage of the current latest infection. 

These parameters provide necessary information in regard to history and stage of infection and on which how medical intervention ought to take place. 

Relevant persons should consider taking this test if they feel a symptom of the Dengue fever, especially those who have been in the place where the dengue is wide or those people who had contact lately. People staying or visiting places that are the most plagued by dengue disease, and also healthcare professionals looking for speedy affirmation also are advised to make use of it. 

Taking the Dengue Profile - Rapid Test offers several health benefits, including:

• Given early diagnosis, treatments can thus be commenced while the disease is not severe and so advanced diseases are likely avoided. 
• Enables keeping track of the evolution of the disease and participates in the decision-making for possible additional medical treatment. 
• Delivers rapid output, which is very crucial in times of outbreak in order to quickly put in place measures to protect the population. 

Dengue Profile - Rapid Test is used mostly for: 

• Dengue fever 
• Severe forms which includes dengue haematological fever (DHF) and shock syndrome which is dengue (DSS) The rapid test for the disease can assist in notifying health workers that the patients may soon develop the above mentioned severe conditions. 

• What is required: No preparation in particular is needed, but advising the physician concerning recent visits to endemic areas of the disease or contact with suspected cases will be beneficial.  
• Who is it for: Recommended in patients who have a wide range of symptoms of dengue fever.  
• Steps to follow in order to perform the test: With the help of a sterile needle, trained personnel will take out a small amount of blood from your arm vein. This will have taken you just a few minutes.  
• What to do before the test: Patients should tell the health care professional about any substance, disease or drug that may interfere with blood clotting so that there are no problems while the sample is being taken.