Home Health Centre Dengue Dengue Fever From Rapid Kits to Blood Tests: Learn the Many Ways to Check for Dengue!

From Rapid Kits to Blood Tests: Learn the Many Ways to Check for Dengue!

Exploring Various Dengue Testing Methods, From Rapid Kits to Blood Tests | DoctorOnCall

Dengue, a mosquito-borne virus, poses a significant health threat in many parts of the world.[1] Characterised by high fever, severe headaches, joint pain, and rash, dengue symptoms range from mild to severe and may sometimes be life-threatening.[1] With the number of dengue cases on the rise, understanding how dengue is diagnosed may be helpful to ensure timely medical intervention.[1] 

What Is a Dengue Test?

Doctors may diagnose dengue by identifying symptoms or using diagnostic tests. There is a variety of dengue diagnostic tests available for doctors to choose from depending on the availability and phase of the disease.[2]

While most dengue tests require a blood sample, the way each test works differs. As each method is different, the time required for the test results to return may also vary depending on the test procedure and analysis. Some examples of diagnostic dengue tests include:

  1. Antibody Tests

    These tests identify specific types of antibodies produced by the immune system in response to the dengue virus. They indicate whether an individual has been previously exposed to dengue and developed immunity to the relevant serotype.[3] Some tests may also detect an active dengue infection by detecting antibodies in the blood.[4]

  2. Molecular Tests for the Dengue Virus

    Molecular tests employ advanced techniques, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), to detect the genetic material of the dengue virus.[4],[5] This method is particularly effective in the early stages of infection. It is often used to confirm a diagnosis of an active dengue infection.[4]

  3. Dengue Virus Antigen Detection

    The NS1 antigen detection test is a rapid diagnostic tool that identifies a specific viral protein called non-structural protein 1 (NS1) in the blood.[4] NS1 is produced by the dengue virus early in the infection and can be detected before antibodies are generated by the immune system.[4] This characteristic makes the test crucial for the early diagnosis of dengue.[4] Notably, NS1 can be detected as early as the first or second day with the onset of symptoms and up till day nine of the illness.[6]

Some tests may employ more than one of the above methods. As more technologies around diagnostic methods emerge, we may expect to see more devices and tests made available in the future.

Consult your doctor on the most suitable test for your situation and setting.

What to Know Before Testing?

Not everyone needs to be tested for dengue. Doctors typically recommend dengue testing in individuals with dengue-like symptoms for confirmation of diagnosis. Besides the tests mentioned above, doctors may also request a full blood count – a comprehensive blood test to better understand a patient’s situation.

Blood contains many components, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets that may vary during illness.[4] For example, dengue may cause the platelet count to drop during the early phase, leading to a risk of bleeding.[4]

It is therefore important for individuals to disclose all pre-existing medical conditions (e.g., anemia or other blood-related disorders) and medications (e.g., blood thinners) to doctors. This information ensures that the doctor can interpret your test results accurately.

Safeguarding Health in the Face of the Dengue Threat!

Understanding the types of tests empowers you to ask your doctor about your options. Early detection of dengue through appropriate testing is crucial for effective management and timely medical intervention.[3]

Keep an eye out for any dengue-like symptoms, and consult your doctor when in doubt.[4]

There is no specific treatment for dengue. Therefore, taking precautionary measures such as removing stagnant water from your surroundings, wearing insect repellent, and consulting your doctor about other preventive methods including vaccination is essential to managing your risk of getting dengue.

References

  1. World Health Organization (WHO). “Dengue and severe dengue.” World Health Organization (WHO), 17 March 2023, https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/dengue-and-severe-dengue. Accessed 26 September 2023.
  2. Myhealth Gov. “What is Dengue – DENGGI.” Myhealth, 24 February 2016, http://denggi.myhealth.gov.my/what-is-dengue/?lang=en. Accessed 26 September 2023.
  3. NCBI. “LABORATORY DIAGNOSIS AND DIAGNOSTIC TESTS - Dengue.” NCBI, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK143156/. Accessed 26 September 2023.
  4. Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia. “CPG - Dengue New Revised edition (new).indd.” Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia, https://www.moh.gov.my/moh/attachments/5502.pdf. Accessed 26 September 2023.
  5. NCBI. “Simple technique for detecting RNA viruses by PCR in single sections of wax embedded tissue.” NCBI, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC501187/. Accessed 26 September 2023.
  6. Wang, S. M., & Sekaran, S. D. “Early Diagnosis of Dengue Infection Using a Commercial Dengue Duo Rapid Test Kit for the Detection of NS1, IgM, and IgG.” NCBI, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2929071/. Accessed on January 13, 2025.

This article is brought to you by Takeda Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. 200901025887 (868989-K)

Disclaimer: This information is available to the public for information purposes only; it should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. It is not intended to substitute consultation with a doctor. Please consult your doctor for advice.

C-ANPROM/MY/DENV/0392 FEB 2025

Written By Dr Shobika Nair, Doctor of Medicine, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Russia on

Reviewed By DoctorOnCall Panel Doctor