The rainy season brings a sharp increase in infectious diseases, with dengue fever being a condition that requires special vigilance. It typically causes high fever, headaches, fatigue, and body aches, and in severe cases, it can progress rapidly to cause dangerous complications. Therefore, when dengue fever is suspected, patients should be closely monitored and undergo appropriate diagnostic testing based on the stage of their illness. Let’s explore these essential tests with Medic Saigon in the guide below.
Overview of Dengue Fever and Common Diagnostic Tests for Suspected Cases
Dengue fever is an infectious viral disease that commonly outbreaks during the rainy and humid season. If not monitored and managed in a timely manner, it can lead to severe, life-threatening complications. Dengue testing helps detect the presence of the Dengue virus or the body’s immune response to it in the blood. Diagnostic testing currently relies on three primary markers: Dengue NS1 Antigen Test, Dengue IgM Antibody Test and Dengue IgG Antibody Test.
Dengue NS1 Antigen Test
This test is recommended during the initial stage of illness, typically from day 1 to day 5 of fever. If a patient has been sick for more than 3 or 4 days, the NS1 test may return a false-negative result even if they actually have dengue fever.
This occurs because the test works by detecting viral antigens in the blood. From day 4 onward, the concentration of viral antigens in the bloodstream decreases significantly, which can sometimes result in a negative reading.
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Dengue IgM Antibody Test
IgM antibodies typically begin to appear from day 4 to day 5 after the onset of fever. The IgM test is used to detect the presence of specific antibodies produced by the body against the Dengue virus during the acute stage of the infection.
However, whether this test yields a positive result depends on each patient’s individual immune response and the amount of antibodies produced by their body.
Dengue IgG Antibody Test
In a primary infection (a person’s first time contracting Dengue virus), IgG antibodies typically appear around day 10 to 14 of the illness and can persist in the body for many years. In a secondary infection (a repeat Dengue infection), IgG antibodies are already present in the blood and typically spike sharply within 1 to 2 days after onset.
When Should You Get Tested for Dengue Fever?
Testing for dengue fever should be conducted promptly upon the onset of characteristic symptoms, including high fever, severe headache, muscle and joint pain, skin rash, or hemorrhagic manifestations such as bleeding gums, nosebleeds, or abnormal/heavy menstrual bleeding in women.
Medical experts recommend taking a dengue test within the first 3 days of illness for the highest diagnostic accuracy, as initial test sensitivity declines as the disease progresses. After day 3, clinical symptoms typically become more distinct, often accompanied by small red pinpoint spots (petechiae) appearing on friction-prone areas such as the neck and armpits.
Additional Diagnostic and Monitoring Tests for Dengue Fever
When a patient presents with a fever and suspected dengue, physicians often order additional laboratory tests alongside specific Dengue virus tests to track disease progression and guide treatment:
- Complete Blood Count (CBC): Essential for monitoring disease progression, guiding clinical management, and assessing prognosis. A sharp drop in platelet count combined with an elevation in hematocrit (blood concentration) indicates potential progression to severe dengue.
- C-Reactive Protein (CRP) Test: Measures inflammation levels in the body to help differentiate viral fever from secondary bacterial infections or other underlying inflammatory causes.
- Rapid Influenza A/B Test: Used to rule out flu viruses, as the early symptoms of influenza and dengue overlap significantly. Identifying the exact cause ensures the correct treatment protocol.
- Liver and Kidney Function Tests: Dengue fever can affect liver function, causing elevated liver enzymes and, in severe cases, liver damage. It can also compromise kidney function due to dehydration, low blood pressure, or systemic complications. Assessing liver and kidney health allows doctors to evaluate organ involvement and intervene promptly if abnormalities occur.
Depending on the progression of the fever in each patient, physicians will order appropriate diagnostic tests to identify the exact cause and establish an accurate treatment plan, helping the patient recover smoothly and quickly.
How much does a dengue fever test cost and how long do results take?
The cost of dengue testing varies across medical facilities depending on the specific testing methods and accompanying services. At Medic Saigon Diagnostic Clinic in Da Nang, the total screening panel costs 290,000 VND, which includes:
- Dengue Rapid Test: 150,000 VND
- Complete Blood Count (CBC): 60,000 VND
- CRP (Inflammation Marker): 80,000 VND
Additionally, patients can opt for a rapid Influenza A/B test to rule out flu and achieve a more accurate diagnosis. The blood sample collection procedure takes only about 10 minutes. Test results are available within 24 hours after sample collection.
Where to Get a Dengue Fever Test in Da Nang?
Most clinics and hospitals throughout Da Nang offer dengue testing. However, if you are seeking a trusted, fast, and cost-effective testing facility, Medic Saigon Diagnostic Clinic in Da Nang is an ideal choice.
With over 15 years of experience in clinical laboratory testing, our clinic is equipped with modern diagnostic machinery and staffed by a team of highly experienced technicians. Medic Saigon is a reliable testing destination for local residents as well as international expats, tourists, and professionals living and working in Da Nang.
The clinic currently provides dengue testing alongside a comprehensive range of other laboratory diagnostic services. We are dedicated to ensuring complete satisfaction and peace of mind when you choose us for your health checks.
MEDIC SAIGON DIAGNOSTIC CLINIC
- Address: 97 Hai Phong, Hai Chau, Da Nang
- Hotline / Zalo / WhatsApp: 0914 496 516
