Dengue Fever NS1 Antigen near me in Bangalore
The Dengue Fever NS1 Antigen test detects the non-structural protein component (NS1) of the dengue virus and is available at an affordable price in Bangalore with Tata 1mg labs. NS1 is secreted into the blood during a dengue infection and is detectable for the first seven days of the symptoms. Therefore, this test helps in early diagnosis and treatment of the dengue infection.
Dengue is a mosquito-borne illness that can cause severe flu-like symptoms, including high fever, severe headache, joint and muscle pain, and rash. If left untreated, the disease may progress to a severe form, such as dengue hemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome. Higher-than-normal levels of the NS1 antigen may indicate a dengue infection. However, negative results do not necessarily rule out the possibility of infection, especially if the test is done early in the course of the disease. Further testing may be required to confirm the diagnosis.
Understanding Dengue Fever NS1 Antigen
Dengue spreads via the bite of an infected Aedes aegypti mosquito, which carries the virus and commonly occurs in tropical and subtropical climates. Most infected individuals do not show symptoms. However, when symptoms occur, they commonly include high fever, body aches, headache, nausea, and skin rash. Usually, these symptoms improve in about 1-2 weeks, but people who develop a severe dengue infection may need hospitalization, as severe dengue can be fatal.
There is currently no specific treatment for dengue, so early diagnosis with the Dengue Fever NS1 Antigen test is important to avoid complications. If you have recently traveled to a dengue-prone area, get tested even if you have no symptoms. Expectant mothers should also get tested if an infection is suspected, as dengue can rarely spread from mother to baby. Taking proper rest, staying hydrated, and closely monitoring symptoms can help support recovery and prevent complications.
The Dengue Fever NS1 Antigen test detects the presence of the dengue virus at an early stage of infection by identifying the NS1 antigen in the blood. This test is most useful during the first 1–7 days after the onset of dengue symptoms, even before antibodies appear. A positive result confirms dengue infection, while a negative result may require follow-up antibody testing (IgM/IgG) if symptoms persist. This test also helps monitor disease progression and guide further medical evaluation.
Usually, no special preparation is needed for a dengue fever test. You can eat and drink as usual. However, inform your doctor about any medications or supplements you are taking, as they may affect your test results.
Dengue antigen test result ranges may vary across the laboratories depending on the methodology and laboratory guidelines. Do not self-medicate. Always consult your doctor to understand your test results correctly.
What Are the Symptoms or Conditions That May Require the Dengue Fever NS1 Antigen Test?
You may need the Dengue Fever NS1 Antigen if you have:
- High-grade fever with chills
- Severe headache or pain behind the eyes
- Joint or muscle pain (“breakbone fever”)
- Skin rash or red spots on the body
- Fatigue, nausea, or vomiting
You may also need the test if:
- You live in or have recently traveled to a dengue-endemic area
- Your doctor suspects dengue after an unexplained fever
- You have symptoms of low platelet count or unusual bleeding
When Would I Need the Dengue Fever NS1 Antigen Test?
You may need the Dengue Fever NS1 Antigen test:
- You develop dengue-like symptoms.
- You recently visited a dengue-prone area.
- Your doctor suspects early-stage dengue infection.
- You need confirmation before starting dengue-specific treatment.
How Do I Prepare for the Dengue Fever NS1 Antigen Test?
Do I need to fast or stop any medications before the Dengue Fever NS1 Antigen test?
No, fasting is not required for NS1 antigen test procedure. You can eat and drink normally before the test. However, it is essential to inform your doctor about any medications or supplements you are taking, as certain medications may interact with test results. Your doctor will guide you if any temporary adjustments are needed before the test.
How is the Dengue Fever NS1 Antigen done?
- The Dengue Fever NS1 Antigen is done by collecting a small amount of blood from a vein, usually in the arm.
- The procedure is quick, minimally invasive, and generally causes only slight discomfort.
What happens during the Dengue Fever NS1 Antigen test?
- You will be seated comfortably with your arm supported on a flat surface or armrest.
- A tourniquet (elastic band) is tied around your upper arm to make the veins more visible and easier to locate.
- The phlebotomist identifies a suitable vein for blood collection.
- The puncture site is then cleaned thoroughly with an alcohol swab to reduce the risk of infection.
- A thin, sterile needle is gently inserted into the vein, and a small amount of blood is collected into a test tube.
What happens after the Dengue Fever NS1 Antigen test?
- Once enough blood is collected, the tourniquet is released and the needle is removed.
- A cotton ball or gauze is placed on the site, followed by a small bandage or dressing to stop any bleeding.
- The blood sample is carefully labeled with your details and sent to the laboratory for analysis.
- You can resume your daily routine after the test is done.
Is the Dengue Fever NS1 Antigen test painful?
No, the Dengue Fever NS1 Antigen test is generally safe and painless. However, you may feel slight discomfort during blood sample collection, but the chances of serious complications are extremely rare.
How Long Does the Dengue Fever NS1 Antigen Test Take?
The procedure is quick, simple, and safe. It requires only a small blood sample and is completed within a short duration.
When Will I Get the Results?
The availability of your test report may vary depending on your location and the laboratory where the test is conducted. In general, Tata 1mg provides the results within the stipulated time after sample collection.
When Should I Consult a Doctor After the Test?
- You should consult your doctor immediately if your result is positive, as it confirms an active dengue infection that requires prompt medical attention.
- If your result is negative but symptoms persist, such as fever, body pain, or fatigue, you should still contact your doctor for further evaluation or repeat testing.
Are There Any Risks Associated with the Dengue Fever NS1 Antigen Test?
The Dengue Fever NS1 Antigen test is safe, with only minimal and short-lasting effects like:
- Small bruise, pinch, or slight tenderness at the puncture site
- Occasional lightheadedness if you are sensitive to needles or blood
- Rarely, infection or blood vessel injury
Note: If you have a bleeding disorder or take blood thinners, inform the phlebotomist beforehand.
Lifestyle Tips For Managing Dengue:
🦟 Protect Yourself from Mosquitoes: Use mosquito nets, repellents, and wear protective clothing.
🥤 Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water, coconut water, and fluids to prevent dehydration.
🥗 Maintain Nutrition: Eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals to support recovery.
💊 Take Medications on Time: Complete the full course of medication as prescribed by doctors and avoid self-medication.
🩸 Monitor Platelet Count: Regularly track your platelet levels through blood tests, as low counts can worsen dengue infection.
🏠 Rest Adequately: Ensure proper rest to help the body recover faster.
What does Dengue Fever NS1 Antigen measure?
The Dengue Fever NS1 Antigen test measures the NS-1 protein of the dengue virus. This protein is secreted into the blood during the infection. Hence, it can only be detected during the early stages of the illness. It is recommended to do the Dengue Fever NS1 Antigen test in the first 5 days of fever. After 7-10 days of continuous fever, the recommended test is dengue fever antibodies IgG & IgM.
Dengue fever may progress to dengue hemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome if left untreated. Dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) includes variable manifestations like bleeding, vomiting blood, passing blood in the stool, difficulty breathing, and cold, clammy skin, especially in the extremities. If progressed, the virus may attack blood vessels, causing capillaries to leak fluid into the space around the lungs (pleural effusion) or the abdominal cavity (ascites).
Dengue shock syndrome (DSS) is a severe complication of dengue fever caused when the body's immune system overreacts to the dengue virus. It can lead to a sudden drop in blood pressure and dehydration. If not managed in a timely manner, it may lead to multiple organ failures.
What Do the Results Mean?
|
Test Parameter |
Interpretation |
Possible causes |
|
Negative |
No detectable dengue NS1 antigen |
|
|
Equivocal |
Repeat test after 1 week |
|
|
Positive |
Presence of detectable dengue NS1 antigen |
|
What Does a Negative Dengue Fever NS1 Antigen Test Result Mean?
A negative result usually indicates no active dengue infection. However, if the test is performed after the first week of illness, the NS1 antigen may no longer be detectable as antibody levels begin to rise. If symptoms persist, your doctor may recommend additional tests, such as dengue IgM or IgG antibody testing, to confirm the diagnosis.
What Does an Equivocal Dengue Fever NS1 Antigen Test Result Mean?
An equivocal result means the test outcome is borderline or inconclusive. In such cases, it is recommended to repeat the test after one week or follow up with dengue IgM/IgG antibody tests for confirmation.
What Does a Positive Dengue Fever NS1 Antigen Test Result Mean?
A positive result confirms an active dengue infection. Early detection allows doctors to begin timely management, monitor platelet counts, and prevent complications such as severe dengue, dengue hemorrhagic fever, or dengue shock syndrome.
Can Dengue Fever NS1 Antigen Test Results Be Inaccurate?
Yes. Dengue Fever NS1 Antigen test results may be inaccurate if the sample is collected too early or too late, in cases of secondary dengue infection, due to cross-reactivity with similar viruses, or because of technical errors during testing.
What Factors Can Affect Dengue Fever NS1 Antigen Test Results?
Though it is a reliable test, some circumstances can influence accuracy:
- Timing of sample collection
- Secondary dengue infection
- Cross-reactivity with similar viruses from the flavivirus family, such as Zika, Japanese encephalitis, yellow fever, or West Nile virus
- Errors in sample handling
What follow-up tests may be required?
If your Dengue Fever NS1 Antigen test results are positive or if symptoms persist despite a negative result, your doctor may recommend additional tests to confirm the diagnosis and monitor disease progression. These may include:
Table: Tests Commonly Ordered Alongside Dengue Fever NS1 Antigen Test
|
Test Name |
Primary Purpose |
|
Dengue IgM & IgG Antibodies (ELISA) |
To confirm infection stage: IgM for recent infection and IgG for past or secondary infection |
|
Complete Blood Count (CBC) |
To monitor platelet count, hemoglobin, and hematocrit levels for signs of dengue hemorrhagic fever |
|
Liver Function Tests (LFT) |
To assess liver involvement commonly seen in dengue infection |
|
Serological or Molecular Tests (RT-PCR) |
To detect dengue virus RNA and confirm the viral serotype |
How Does Dengue Fever NS1 Antigen Differ from Other Dengue Blood Tests?
The Dengue Fever NS1 Antigen test detects the non-structural protein 1 (NS1) of the dengue virus, which appears in the blood within 1 to 2 days of infection and remains detectable for up to a few days after symptom onset. This makes it highly useful for the early diagnosis of dengue during the acute phase of illness.
In contrast, other dengue blood tests, such as dengue IgM and IgG antibody tests and the dengue RNA PCR test, serve different purposes in diagnosing the infection:
Dengue IgM Antibody Test: Detects IgM antibodies that typically appear 4–5 days after symptoms begin, indicating a recent or ongoing infection.
Dengue IgG Antibody Test: Identifies IgG antibodies that develop after 7–10 days, suggesting a past or secondary dengue infection.
Dengue RNA PCR Test: Detects the genetic material (RNA) of the dengue virus and is the most sensitive test for early diagnosis, capable of identifying the virus even before the NS1 antigen becomes detectable.
Frequently booked together
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Contains 1 testFAQs related to Dengue Fever NS1 Antigen in Bangalore
Dengue Fever NS1 Antigen test price for other cities
| Price in | Mumbai | Rs. 600 |
| Price in | Gurgaon | Rs. 600 |
| Price in | New Delhi | Rs. 600 |
| Price in | Kolkata | Rs. 589 |
| Price in | Hyderabad | Rs. 570 |
How does home sample collection work?
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References
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- 5Tien Dat T, Kotani T, Yamamoto E, Shibata K, Moriyama Y, Tsuda H, Yamashita M, Kajiyama H, Duc Thien Minh D, Quang Thanh L, Kikkawa F. Dengue fever during pregnancy. Nagoya J Med Sci. 2018 May;80(2):241-247. [Accessed 11 Nov. 2025]. Available from: mc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5995735/
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