The dengue IgG test, also known as the Immunoglobulin G test, is performed to detect the presence of dengue virus IgG antibodies. It is a screening test and delivers a preliminary test result to diagnose any past or existing infection with dengue viruses. High counts of IgG dengue virus antibodies categorize secondary dengue infections. The levels increase in a week, with peak symptoms during the 2nd week. It remains in the blood for almost three months. It also happens that sometimes in some individuals, the antibodies remain forever. If the report says the IgG component is positive and the IgM component is negative, it can be assumed that the person got infected with Dengue in the past.
Why do you need the Dengue IgG Test?
The dengue IgG test is conducted to infer many things. You can find a few below-
- To confirm secondary dengue infection.
- To understand the history of dengue infection.
- To analyze the recovery after dengue detection.
- To review the condition post-dengue vaccination.
What do you infer from the test results of the Dengue IgG Test?
- IgG negative in the report means there is an insignificant or no presence of antibodies. This is the normal level or the default state.
- Equivocal results in the report say that virus may or may not be present and need to be tested after 2-4 weeks to confirm again.
- IgG positive represents that dengue fever viruses are detected, and there is the presence of IgG antibodies currently or in the past.
Who is eligible for a Dengue IgG Test?
A physician advises a dengue IgG test to detect any secondary dengue infection by the count of IgG antibodies. This test is usually recommended for individuals with high fever symptoms or staying in a dengue-affected locality.
What is the procedure for the Dengue IgG Test?
Dengue IgG is a typical blood test where a certain amount of blood is drawn from your veins and collected as the sample for the test.
What is the cost of the Dengue IgG Test?
The cost fluctuates from city to city in India. However, the range can vary anywhere between INR 250 to INR 1000. It is always advisable to enquire about the price and visit the diagnosis lab to avoid delay.
What are the tests covered to diagnose Dengue?
Based on your present health condition, travel history, the locality you stay in, or the health condition of the person you associate with, physicians recommend a dengue IgG test which involves the below assessment.
- Non-structural protein 1 (NS1) antigen test.
- Complete blood test.
- Immunoglobulin G/ Immunoglobulin M test.
- Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test.
- Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs).
Are there any side effects from the dengue IgG test?
Typically, there are no side effects if you are going for a dengue IgG test, as it is as simple as any blood test, completed in five minutes. Except for the slightest prick, while drawing blood from your veins for a sample, you need not worry about anything.
Conclusion:
Dengue IgG test helps diagnose dengue virus infection, and it is unnecessary to be scared to go for a test. The treatment can be more effective when diagnosed early, providing relief to the patient.
