Category: Blood Test
The Dengue IgM & IgG Antibody Test is a blood test used to detect antibodies produced by the body's immune system in response to Dengue virus infection. Unlike the NS1 Antigen Test, which detects the virus during the early stage of infection, the IgM and IgG antibody tests identify the immune response after the body starts producing antibodies against dengue.
IgM antibodies usually appear within 3 to 5 days after the onset of fever and indicate a recent or current dengue infection. IgG antibodies usually develop later and can remain in the body for a long time, indicating a previous dengue infection or possible secondary infection. Measuring both IgM and IgG helps doctors understand whether the infection is recent, past, or a repeat dengue infection.
Doctors commonly recommend this test for patients who have symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain, nausea, vomiting, skin rash, weakness, and low platelet counts. It is especially useful when the patient visits after the first week of illness, when the NS1 antigen may no longer be detectable.
The test requires a small blood sample collected from a vein in the arm. No special preparation is usually needed before the test. Results are generally available within a few hours or one day.
Dengue IgM and IgG testing is often performed along with other investigations such as Complete Blood Count (CBC), platelet count, and hematocrit levels to monitor disease severity. Early diagnosis helps doctors provide proper supportive care, monitor warning signs, and reduce the risk of serious complications such as dengue hemorrhagic fever and dengue shock syndrome.
The Dengue IgM & IgG Antibody Test is performed to detect dengue infection, identify recent or previous exposure to dengue virus, confirm infection after the early stage, differentiate primary and secondary dengue infection, monitor patients with dengue symptoms, and support proper medical management.
No special preparation is usually required for the Dengue IgM & IgG Antibody Test. Patients can eat and drink normally before the test. Inform the healthcare provider about fever duration, previous dengue infection, medications, and recent travel history if applicable.
IgM Negative: No recent dengue infection detected
IgM Positive: Recent or current dengue infection possible
IgG Negative: No previous dengue exposure detected
IgG Positive: Previous dengue infection or secondary infection possible