Dengue NS1 Antigen - Elisa

The Dengue NS1 Antigen - ELISA (Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) test helps to detect the dengue virus in the blood. This test examines the presence of the dengue NS1 antigen, which is a protein produced by the dengue virus. 

The dengue virus is transmitted from an infected mosquito to a human. It is spread by female mosquitoes, mainly Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus species, which are found across the world's tropical and subtropical regions.

Dengue fever takes 3 to 7 days to manifest its symptoms. Headache, nausea, rash, swollen glands, body aches, muscle pains and vomiting are some of the common symptoms of dengue. Elderly patients with medical conditions are more likely to develop severe dengue. 

The Dengue NS1 Antigen – ELISA test is done:

• To diagnose dengue virus infection at an early stage.
• In cases of initial treatment of dengue virus infection.
• For differential diagnosis of flaviviruses and fever.
   

Frequently asked questions

How is the blood sample taken?

To take the blood sample, a tourniquet (elastic) band is placed tightly on the upper arm. The patient is asked to make a fist. This helps in the buildup of blood filling the veins and it becomes easy to collect the blood. The skin is cleaned before inserting the needle in the vein in order to prevent bacteria from entering. The needle is then inserted into the vein in the arm and the blood sample is collected in the vacutainer.

What are the signs and symptoms of Dengue fever?

The signs and symptoms of Dengue fever include fever, severe musculoskeletal pain, retro-orbital pain, headache, and a transient macular rash. The chances of developing dengue hemorrhagic fever and dengue shock syndrome are much higher in children and young adults.

How many types of clinical Dengue fever are there?

There are 5 types of clinical Dengue fever which include break-bone fever (chikungunya) with no serious complications, low platelet, dengue hemorrhagic fever with bleeding, fluid loss, and Dengue shock syndrome with blood pressure.

How is dengue antigen, NS1 test different from dengue antibodies test?

The dengue antigen, NS1 test helps to diagnose current dengue infection in the first few days of illness. Dengue antibodies test detects the antibodies in the later part of the illness.

What test results need to be monitored in case of Dengue fever infection? .

The test results which need to be monitored in case of Dengue fever infection include electrolytes, platelets, and hemoglobin. .