Dengue NS1 Antigen Test

What is the Dengue NS1 Antigen ELISA Test?

A dengue fever test is a medical diagnostic test used to detect the presence of the dengue virus in the blood. It helps confirm whether a person has dengue fever, a mosquito-borne viral infection that, if left untreated, can cause complications such as dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) and dengue shock syndrome (DSS).

The Dengue NS1 Antigen ELISA Test is a reliable diagnostic tool for detecting dengue virus early in the infection. It identifies the NS1 protein present in the blood within the first 1–7 days of symptoms, ensuring a faster and more accurate diagnosis for timely treatment. NS1 in dengue is a viral protein that plays a role in viral replication and immune evasion, contributing to disease severity.

There are also other types of dengue blood tests used for diagnosis depending on the stage of infection:

• Dengue IgM and IgG Antibody Tests: Identify the body's immune response to dengue by detecting IgM (early-stage antibodies) and IgG (past infection antibodies).
• Dengue PCR Test: A molecular test that detects the genetic material of the dengue virus, providing highly accurate results.
• CBC Test for Dengue: Measures platelet count and white blood cell levels, which can help doctors assess the severity of the infection.

The NS1 Antigen ELISA test is considered the gold standard because of the following benefits:

• Early Detection: Detects dengue from Day 1 of symptoms, unlike IgM and IgG tests, which only become effective after a few days.
• Higher Accuracy in Early Stages: Identifies the NS1 protein when it is abundant in the bloodstream before antibodies develop.
• Accurate Results with ELISA Approach: Uses enzyme-based reactions to detect even small amounts of NS1 antigen, offering higher accuracy than rapid dengue tests.
• Faster Results Compared to PCR: Provides quicker results than PCR tests, which require specialised lab processing, often not necessary for deciding the treatment approach.
• Not Dependent on Immune Response: Unlike IgM and IgG tests, which rely on the body's antibody production, the NS1 antigen test detects dengue before the immune system reacts, making it ideal for early diagnosis.

Comparison with NS1 Rapid Test

The NS1 ELISA test is a more reliable and accurate method for detecting dengue compared to the NS1 rapid test, which doesn’t require lab testing and produces results in minutes. While both tests identify the NS1 antigen, which is present in the blood during the early stages of infection, the ELISA test uses an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, ensuring higher sensitivity and specificity. In contrast, the rapid test is a quick screening method based on the lateral flow method that may produce false positives or false negatives, making it less dependable for diagnosis. The NS1 ELISA test is preferred in clinical settings as it provides more precise and trustworthy results, especially in cases where early and accurate detection is critical for proper treatment.

Purpose of Dengue Fever Test

Here are some reasons why dengue fever tests are crucial:

• Early Detection for Timely Treatment: The Dengue NS1 Antigen Test can detect the virus within the first 1–7 days of infection, allowing for faster diagnosis and early medical intervention before complications arise.
• Differentiating Dengue from Other Illnesses: Symptoms of dengue can be confused with flu, chikungunya, or other viral infections. Testing ensures an accurate diagnosis and prevents mismanagement.
• Monitoring Disease Progression: Tests like the CBC test for dengue help monitor platelet levels, which are crucial in assessing disease severity and preventing complications like dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF).
• Detecting Past or Recent Infections: Dengue IgM and IgG antibody tests help determine whether an infection is recent or past, which is important for assessing immunity risks, as a second dengue infection can be more severe.
• Ensuring Safe Home and Community Health: Accurate testing helps prevent disease spread by allowing individuals to take proper precautions and seek early medical care.

Who Needs a Dengue Fever NS1 Antigen Test?

A dengue fever test is recommended for individuals experiencing symptoms of dengue or those who have been in dengue-prone areas during an outbreak. Early testing is crucial for timely treatment and preventing severe complications.

Symptoms of Dengue Fever

Dengue symptoms typically appear 4–10 days after a bite from an infected mosquito and can range from mild to severe.

Common Signs & Symptoms of Dengue:

• High fever (up to 104℉ or 40℃)
• Severe headache
• Pain behind the eyes (retro-orbital pain)
• Intense muscle, bone, or joint pain ("breakbone fever")
• Skin rash (appears after a few days of fever)
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhoea (loose motions)
• Loss of appetite
• Weakness and fatigue
• Swollen glands (lymphadenopathy)

Who Should Get Tested?

• Individuals with sudden high fever and flu-like symptoms
• Those living in or travelling to dengue-endemic areas
• People with persistent fever not responding to standard treatment
• Individuals experiencing unexplained rashes or joint pain
• Those with a history of dengue fever (as a second infection can be more severe)

If you suspect dengue, an early Dengue NS1 Antigen Test can provide rapid detection within the first week of symptoms, ensuring timely medical intervention. MaxAtHome offers at-home dengue blood testing with fast and accurate results to help diagnose dengue without visiting a clinic.

Dengue Fever NS1 Antigen ELISA Test Preparation

The Dengue NS1 Antigen ELISA test is a highly accurate blood test used for early detection of dengue fever. To ensure reliable results, proper preparation is essential.

How to Prepare for the NS1 Antigen ELISA Test?

• Fasting: No fasting is required. You can eat and drink as usual before the test.
• Hydration: Stay well-hydrated to make the blood draw easier.
• Medication: Inform your doctor if you are taking blood thinners or other medications, as they may affect test results.
• Timing: The NS1 antigen is detectable from Day 1 to Day 7 of fever. Taking the test early increases accuracy.

What to Expect During the Test?

• A small blood sample is drawn from a vein in your arm.
• The procedure takes only a few minutes and causes minimal discomfort.
• Your sample is then analysed for NS1 antigen, confirming the presence of dengue virus.

Dengue Fever NS1 Antigen ELISA Test Results and Interpretation

The Dengue NS1 Antigen ELISA Test is an essential diagnostic tool for early detection of dengue fever. Understanding the test results is crucial for effective treatment and management.

Positive NS1 Antigen Test

• Indicates an active dengue virus infection in the early phase.
• Requires immediate medical attention to monitor symptoms and prevent complications.
• Further testing (such as CBC for platelet count or IgM/IgG antibody tests) may be recommended to assess disease progression.

Negative NS1 Antigen Test

• May indicate no active dengue infection or that the test was performed too late (after the NS1 antigen disappears from the blood).
• If dengue symptoms persist, IgM and IgG antibody tests should be conducted to check for a later-stage infection.
• A CBC test can help evaluate platelet levels, which often drop in dengue cases.

Factors Affecting NS1 Test Accuracy

• Delay in testing: NS1 antigen is detectable only in the first 7 days; after that, antibody-based tests (IgM/IgG) are more reliable.
• Cross-reactivity: In rare cases, other viral infections may produce false positives.
• Immune response: Some individuals may clear the NS1 antigen faster, leading to false-negative results.

Next Steps After an NS1 Test

• If positive: Consult a doctor immediately for monitoring and supportive care.
• If negative but symptoms persist: Follow up with dengue IgM/IgG tests or a CBC test to confirm the diagnosis.

Why Choose MaxAtHome for NS1 Antigen ELISA Dengue Test?

• Convenient At-Home Testing: Get tested from the comfort of your home without the need to visit a clinic or hospital.
• Fast & Accurate Results: Our NS1 Antigen Dengue Test provides early detection with reliable and precise results.
• Expert-Backed Diagnostics: Tests are conducted in NABL-accredited labs, ensuring high-quality standards.
• Affordable Pricing: Transparent and competitive dengue test costs, with no hidden charges.
• Hassle-Free Booking: Easy online booking and sample collection at your preferred time.
• Safe & Hygienic Sample Collection: Trained professionals follow strict hygiene protocols to ensure a seamless experience.

Book Your NS1 Antigen ELISA Dengue Test with MaxAtHome

Early detection is crucial in managing dengue fever effectively. Get tested from the comfort of your home with MaxAtHome's reliable and hassle-free dengue test services. You can book an NS1 Antigen dengue test with us today by calling our customer care number 01244781023 or signing up for a free account online.