Dengue IgG & IgM - ELISA: Purpose, Price, Procedure, and Interpretation

Test Overview

The Dengue IgG & IgM ELISA test is a diagnostic blood test used to detect the presence of IgG and IgM antibodies in response to a dengue virus infection. This test is part of the serological workup for diagnosing dengue fever, a mosquito-borne illness caused by the dengue virus, which is prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions.

• IgM antibodies typically indicate a recent or ongoing infection (usually detectable from day 4–5 of illness).
• IgG antibodies appear later and suggest past exposure or a secondary infection.

Both antibodies are crucial for distinguishing between primary and secondary dengue infections, which helps determine disease severity and guide appropriate treatment.

Purpose of the Dengue IgG & IgM Test

• Diagnose Recent or Past Dengue Infection: The test helps identify whether a person is currently infected (IgM positive), or had a past infection (IgG positive). This is essential for guiding treatment and isolating active cases.
• Differentiate Primary vs. Secondary Infection: In primary infections, IgM antibodies appear first. In secondary infections, IgG levels rise rapidly and are often much higher. Distinguishing between these is important because secondary dengue infections carry a higher risk of severe complications, including dengue hemorrhagic fever.
• Evaluate Patients in Later Stages When NS1 Antigen is Negative: The NS1 antigen is most reliable during the first few days of fever. After that, IgG and IgM antibody testing becomes more useful in detecting infection in the later stages of illness.
• Support Diagnosis in Symptomatic Cases: When patients present with fever, muscle and joint pain, skin rashes, low platelet counts, or other dengue-like symptoms, this test helps confirm or rule out dengue, especially if NS1 or PCR tests are unavailable or inconclusive.
• Monitor Outbreaks and Assess Population Exposure: In outbreak-prone regions, the test is used for epidemiological surveillance to estimate how many people have been exposed to dengue, helping public health officials plan control and prevention measures effectively.

Dengue NS1 IgG IgM Test Price

Knowing the dengue NS1 IgG IgM test price is essential for cost-effective healthcare planning. The price can vary based on:

1. Location: Test pricing differs by city—major urban areas like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Bangalore may have slight variations in lab costs.
2. Type of Lab: NABL-accredited or reputed labs may charge a higher price but ensure better accuracy and faster results.
3. Services Offered: Whether home collection is included, TAT (turnaround time), and report delivery mode (physical/digital).
4. Bundled Packages: Many diagnostic centers offer dengue test combos that include NS1 Antigen, IgG, and IgM together, sometimes at a discounted rate.

Typical dengue NS1 IgG IgM test price in India varies depending on location and lab services. To check exact rates, you can search online using terms like "dengue igg & igm test price near me" or browse platforms like Apollo 24|7 for updated rates and offers.

When Should You Take the Dengue IgG & IgM Test?

• Day 5 or Later of Fever: Dengue IgG and IgM antibodies typically begin to appear after the fourth or fifth day of illness. Testing before this window may yield false negatives, so it's ideal for use in the later stages of infection when antibodies are more reliably detectable.
• If NS1 Antigen Test is Negative: If the NS1 Antigen test (which is used in the early phase) comes back negative, but clinical symptoms strongly suggest dengue, an IgG & IgM test can help confirm the diagnosis.
• To Confirm a Past Dengue Infection: If you want to know whether you’ve had dengue in the past, especially before travel, vaccination, or for medical history documentation, this test can detect IgG antibodies that remain in the blood long-term.
• During Dengue Outbreaks or Exposure: If you're experiencing symptoms or have been in contact with a confirmed dengue case, or have recently visited a dengue-prone area, this test helps detect recent or prior infection — particularly useful for screening during outbreaks.

Procedure and Preparation for Dengue IgG & IgM ELISA Test

• Sample Collection: A small blood sample is collected from a vein in your arm using a sterile needle. The process is quick and typically causes minimal discomfort.
• Test Duration: The entire procedure takes about 5–10 minutes. After collection, the sample is sent to the lab for ELISA testing.
• Fasting Required?: No fasting is required. You can eat and drink normally before the test.
• Time of Day: The test can be done at any time during the day. Antibody levels remain stable, so timing doesn't affect accuracy.

Components Detected by the Dengue IgG & IgM ELISA Test

The Dengue IgG & IgM ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) is a serological test designed to detect antibodies produced in response to dengue virus infection. It helps in distinguishing between recent (acute) and past (secondary) infections.

1. IgM Antibodies

• Immunoglobulin M (IgM) is the first antibody produced by the immune system in response to dengue infection.
• Typically becomes detectable 3–5 days after the onset of symptoms.
• Indicates a recent or current dengue infection (primary or early secondary infection).

2. IgG Antibodies

• Immunoglobulin G (IgG) appears later, around 7–10 days after infection and can persist for months or even years.
• Its presence indicates a past dengue infection or secondary infection in endemic areas.
• A high level of IgG with IgM may suggest a secondary (reinfection) case.

Understanding the Dengue IgG & IgM Test Report

Your healthcare provider will interpret the report in combination with your symptoms, NS1 antigen results, and other blood parameters (e.g., platelet count).

Booking the Dengue IgG & IgM Test Online on Apollo 24|7

• Visit the Apollo 24|7 website or open the mobile app.
• Search for “Dengue IgG & IgM ELISA Test” or “Dengue NS1 IgG IgM test price.”
• Select your city, preferred diagnostic center or home collection, and choose a time slot.
• Fill in your personal details and complete the booking.
• Receive confirmation via SMS or email. A trained phlebotomist will visit for home collection, or you can go to the selected center.
• Check results online in the ‘Reports’ section of the Apollo 24|7 app or website once the report is ready (usually within 24–48 hours).