Dengue Test Price in India: Types, Cost, and When to Get Tested

One of the fastest spreading mosquito-borne viral diseases, Dengue, claims over 100-400 million people in a year. South East Asian countries, including India, have been at risk with cases rising every year due to climatic conditions that favour the breeding of mosquitoes. The alarming increase in Dengue cases in India calls for timely detection, diagnosis, and testing to save patients from severe and deadly symptoms. Learning all about dengue, different dengue test types, and the right time to get tested can help you make informed decisions. ¹

With this guide, we will help you understand everything you need to know about Dengue blood tests, which one is right for you, and the ideal time to get tested. Read along as we also break down the best Dengue Test Prices in India. 

Key Takeaways 

• Dengue is a rapidly spreading mosquito-borne disease that requires timely testing and diagnosis. 
• The Dengue Test Price can change depending on the location, type of test and stage of the infection.
• The NS1 antigen test is recommended at the early onset of the symptoms, while the IgM and IgG are advised for severe symptoms. 
• A CBC test can also help detect the presence of the mosquito-borne virus in the early days.
• For symptoms like persistent high-grade fever or muscle aches, one should consult a clinician as early as the signs appear. 

What is Dengue Fever?

Dengue fever is a viral illness that occurs after an infected mosquito bites a person. The infected mosquito, known as Aedes aegypti, breeds in water stagnant around human waste. Once it bites a human and the virus enters inside the human body, it multiplies and develops symptoms that range from a sudden high fever (103 to 105 degrees F) to severe joint and muscle pains, loss of appetite, and even rashes on the torso. ²

Dengue virus does not spread from one person to another. It is not contagious, but it can get severe if not paid attention to at the right time. 

Common & Severe Dengue Symptoms

Common Symptoms

Most Dengue infections do not cause severe and deadly symptoms. Generally, Dengue begins with a high fever ranging from 103 to 105 degrees F, further leading to;

• Flushing Rashes on the face, neck, chest, and torso 
• Intense pain behind the eyes 
• Vomiting and loss of appetite
• Bone, joint, and even muscle pain 

Severe Symptoms 

These Dengue symptoms start to appear 4 days or so after the mosquito bite. Typically, the common symptoms last for 3 to 6 days. If not diagnosed and treated on time, 1 in 20 people infected with the Dengue virus develop severe symptoms as the infection progresses. Some of the most common severe dengue symptoms include: 

• Abdominal or stomach pain 
• Frequent vomiting and nausea 
• Blood in puke or stool 
• Bleeding nose or gums 
• Restlessness and shortness of breath 

Severe Dengue Fever can be life-threatening. It is a medical emergency and must be treated on time to prevent worsening of health. ³

Dengue Testing & Its Importance 

Most clinicians start Dengue testing with a blood test that checks a sample of your blood to spot the presence of any viral genome or activity in your body. Especially if you live in an area with a risk of dengue, medical professionals map the symptoms and prescribe blood test results to conclude if you are infected. Testing for Dengue at the right time is crucial for early and timely diagnosis. Apart from differentiating the symptoms from flu-like viruses, timely testing can avoid extreme conditions like DHF (Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever) and DSS (Dengue Shock Syndrome). 

Dengue Testing is considered important because: 

• Correct Diagnosis: Most Dengue symptoms are similar to flu-like illnesses. Accurate testing helps distinguish Dengue from the common flu. 
• Detecting Infection Phase: With the help of early and late testing methods for Dengue, clinicians can determine the stage of infection. 
• Confirms Type of Treatment: Dengue cannot be managed or cured/treated with any antiviral medicines. With proper testing, doctors can guide the treatment based on the symptoms.  
• Avoid Severe Infection: Dengue Testing at the early stages helps patients get the right diagnosis at the right time, preventing any future fatality. 
• Prevent Misdiagnosis: Correct diagnosis ensures patients don’t get treated for other illnesses while dengue progresses. 

Accurate and timely dengue testing can help patients and doctors manage the symptoms with the right course of medication. Dengue testing is important for not just saving lives but also preventing an epidemic. 

When is the Right Time to Get Tested for Dengue? 

The right time to get tested for Dengue depends on the symptoms and the days passed since the onset of symptoms. Ideally, a person suffering from any of the mentioned symptoms should get the Dengue Test as early as possible to rule out any complications. However, if you find yourself questioning if or when you should get the tests done, the following guide can help you;

• Day 1 to 5 (Acute Phase): Very early but also efficient to test for the presence of the Dengue virus, getting the NS1 antigen test done right after the onset of the symptoms, like high fever, can help get accurate treatment on time. 
• Day 7 and more (Convalescent Phase): If the test result from the acute phase is negative while the symptoms progress, you can get the Dengue IgM antibody test to rule out the presence of the dengue virus. 

Getting the Dengue tests done as soon as you develop symptoms can significantly reduce the chances of complications. ⁴

Types of Dengue Tests Available in India 

In our country, medical professionals use a combination of common Dengue Tests to help diagnose patients suffering from the Dengue virus. Here is a complete list of the most common Dengue Tests available in India: 

• Dengue NS1 Antigen Test: Carried out in the first 5 to 7 days of the onset of the symptoms, the NS1 Antigen test detects a viral protein at the inception of the virus. 
• IgM and IgG (Dengue Antibody Test): The Antibody Tests detect the formation of dengue antibodies in our body; IgM for 7 days or more, and IgG even later. 
• Dengue PCR Test: Mostly used for early diagnosis, the PCR Test helps detect the virus’s genetic material. 
• Dengue Panel Tests: As the name suggests, the Dengue panel tests are a combination of NS1, IgM, IgG, and Common Blood count to check for platelets and WBC for diagnosing the mosquito-borne disease. 

Your doctor may prescribe the tests for Dengue based on your symptoms and their onset. These tests detect the virus, or our body’s response to the virus, to rule out Dengue. Doctors recommend testing as soon as you show the most common dengue symptoms like high fever coupled with pain behind the eyes and muscle/ joint aches. 

Dengue Test Price in India 

While the Dengue Test Price can vary based on the city, laboratory, symptoms, and prescriptions, the basic NS1 Antigen test costs anywhere between Rs. 300 to Rs. 600. Typically, the approximate Dengue Test Price in India is as follows: 

Dengue NS1 Antigen Test	Rs. 250 - Rs. 600+
Dengue IgG/IgM Antibody Test	Rs. 600 - Rs. 1200+
Dengue Panel Tests (NS1 + IgM/IgG + CBC)	Rs. 600 - Rs. 2000+

 

Leading diagnostic laboratories provide bundled tests like the Dengue IgG/ IgM antibody test that can help patients get accurate results and diagnosis.

Factors Influencing Dengue Test Price

The price for Dengue tests can be influenced by a lot of factors, including the type of test, the technology used, the diagnostic centre providing it, and the city. Main factors influencing the price of Dengue tests include: 

• Location: Prices generally vary when it comes to different cities. 
• Provider: All providers, whether it’s a diagnostic facility or hospital, charge different amounts for the tests based on their facilities. 
• Type of Test: Dengue Test Price changes based on the complexity, urgency, and type of tests. 
• Urgency: Rapid results and emergency Dengue tests will be priced higher. 
• Prescription: Some medical professionals may prescribe more tests to confirm the presence of the Dengue virus, increasing the cost of the tests. 

To-Dos After Positive Dengue Test 

Right after you get a positive Dengue test result, you must consult a doctor to manage your symptoms. The immediate to-do list should be: 

• Consult a doctor for pain relief
• Rest and hydrate  
• Watch out for any worsening symptoms
• Do not indulge in any OTC medicines without a doctor’s prescription (Do not take Aspirin, Brufen, or Ibuprofen) 5
• Protect yourself from mosquitoes
• Get timely check-ups to avoid complications.

Final Thoughts

The symptoms of Dengue fever can be mistaken for the common flu. But when a high temperature fever lingers over a span of 3 or more days, you must consult a doctor, ASAP. Taking action at the right time over worsening symptoms will help you find the best diagnosis and treatment. Understanding the types of Dengue tests, the Dengue test price in India, and when to get tested will help you avoid delays in diagnosis. 

To find a comprehensive Dengue antibody Test, you can choose to trust LifeCell Diagnostics. We are a trusted diagnostic service provider offering reliable Dengue Tests to help people get tested right from the comfort of their home.

FAQs

How accurate is a Dengue blood test? 

A dengue blood test uses a serum sample to confirm the presence of the dengue virus, making it accurate to detect the illness. 

How to confirm if I have Dengue? 

Along with prolonged symptoms to confirm Dengue, you must visit a doctor and get a blood test done to rule out any severe infections. With the help of NS1, IgM, and IgG, or a comprehensive test, the doctor will be able to suggest an accurate diagnosis. 

Is 100 degrees F a Dengue Fever? 

After the symptoms start showing up, a fever of 100 degrees F can be considered Dengue fever if it increases along with other worsening dengue symptoms. 

Can I treat Dengue at home? 

Mild Dengue cases can be monitored at home. However, it is advised to get professional help in case the symptoms get worse for proper prescription and care.