Apollo Fever Panel - Basic

Curated by Dr Vamsi, Apollo Fever Panel - Basic package consists of tests like CBC, SGOT, SGPT, complete urine examination, and ESR, which are essential to identify the underlying cause of fever. These tests are usually recommended for people who get a frequent fever that is accompanied by chills, nausea, and body pain.

A temporary spike in the body's temperature is termed a fever. It is caused by the hypothalamus – the part of the brain responsible for maintaining normal body temperature. When the immune system detects an infection in the body, it triggers complex processes that produce more heat and activates the hypothalamus to increase the body’s temperature.

The overall process restricts heat loss from the body and may lead to patients experiencing shivers. While fever is usually a temporary problem that goes away without medication, it can also lead to severe or life-threatening complications. Some of the possible causes of fever include:

• Viral infections
• Bacterial infections
• Malignant tumour
• Specific inflammatory ailments like rheumatoid arthritis
• Post-exercise heat exhaustion

Detecting the cause of the fever can be difficult without consulting a medical practitioner. Hence, it is recommended to seek immediate medical attention if the fever is accompanied by one or more of these symptoms:

• Constant headache
• A body temperature above 104 degrees Fahrenheit
• Nausea and vomiting
• Constipation
• Diarrhoea
• Loss of appetite
• Abnormality in urine; dark urine or low output
• Body ache

At times like these, the doctor may suggest the Apollo fever panel basic test package to determine the cause of the fever and start suitable treatment.

Apollo 24/7 offers an exhaustive fever profile test to check for some of the most common causes of fever.

It comprises a series of 51 tests that check for bacterial and viral infections and assess blood and urine samples to confirm the cause of fever. The tests included in this package are:

• C-Reactive Protein CRP (Quantitative) Test: The lungs release the CRP proteins in the blood only during inflammation. This response can be used to ascertain the cause of the fever and adjust the treatment accordingly.
• Complete Urine Examination: The body can also experience high temperatures due to a urinary tract infection, which can be detected by a comprehensive urine examination. 
• Complete Blood Count Test: The complete blood count test aims to gauge the level of white blood cells in the body. High white blood cells may indicate inflammation or infection, and the treatment can be performed as such.
• Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT/SGPT), Serum: This test is a marker to confirm liver disorders or damage.
• Calcium, Serum: This test not only measures the amount of calcium in the body but also helps in assessing if you have a bone disease.

A blood test for fever can facilitate the timely detection of the underlying cause. Timely detection can assist in the preparation of effective treatment methods for the fever to minimise the impact of the disease. 

Frequently asked questions

What is the usual temperature range for fever?

The normal body temperature is between 97.5 to 98.9 degrees Fahrenheit. The typical fever temperature range begins from 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit in adults and children. If this temperature rises above 104 degrees, it is mandatory to consult a doctor who may recommend a blood test for fever.

What are the common causes of fever?

Usually, fevers are caused due to the immune system's response to an infection in the body. However, fever is a rise in the body's temperature that can also occur due to heat exhaustion or allergies. It is always safe to visit a doctor if the fever is causing severe complications in your body.

Can fever be life-threatening?

The severity of fever can depend on multiple factors, particularly the underlying cause. For instance, harmless fevers lead to a temporary spike in body temperature but fade away without medical assistance. However, fever caused due to infections like malaria, dengue, and typhoid may induce additional symptoms, like vomiting and headache, which could prove fatal if left untreated.

Why should you take the fever test?

The fever panel basic test checks for the most common reasons for infection. It is a group of 51 tests that check for bacterial and viral infections to detect them early and start treatment before they evolve into subsequent stages.

How do I know if my fever requires a doctor's visit?

It is essential to visit a doctor and get a blood test for fever done in either or both of these cases. If the fever persists beyond a couple of days Additional symptoms like nausea, diarrhoea, muscle aches, and dark urine accompany the fever These signs may indicate fatal infections that can only be treated by a licensed medical practitioner.