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Widal Test (Slide Agglutination)

Also referred as

Typhoid test (Slide agglutination)

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The Widal Test (Slide Agglutination) helps detect typhoid and paratyphoid fever, collectively known as enteric fever, by identifying the antibodies against two antigens (O & H) of typhoid-causing bacteria, Salmonella typhi. Early detection of enteric fever is crucial to prevent severe complications like intestinal bleeding or perforation.

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Blood

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No special preparation is required.

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Understanding Widal Test (Slide Agglutination)

Enteric fever is a life-threatening disease caused by the bacteria Salmonella enterica serotype Typhi (S. Typhi). It is usually transmitted through food and drinks contaminated with fecal matter. The most common symptoms of typhoid include high fever, headache, fatigue, diarrhea or constipation, a specific rash called rose spots, abdominal pain, and weight loss. They may be noticed about 1 to 2 weeks after being infected.

You may need the Widal Test (Slide Agglutination) if you have traveled to areas where the infection is present or if you have been in close contact with someone who has traveled to the infected areas or is infected. Individuals close to the infected person should also get tested to rule out the possibility of infection transmission. No special preparation is needed for a typhoid test; eat or drink as per your daily routine. However, talk to your doctor about all the pre-test instructions.

Test result ranges are approximate and may differ slightly between labs depending on the methodology and laboratory guidelines. Talk to your doctor about your specific test results. Narrate your complete medical history to help the doctor correlate your clinical and laboratory findings. The test results will help them determine your medical condition, make recommendations for lifestyle modifications such as diet and exercise, decide whether or not medication will be required to manage your condition and formulate your overall treatment plan.

What does Widal Test (Slide Agglutination) measure?

The Widal Test (Slide Agglutination) helps detect antibodies in the blood against typhoid-causing bacteria called Salmonella typhi.

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FAQs related to Widal Test (Slide Agglutination)

How is the widal test performed?

A doctor will clean the skin using an antiseptic alcohol cotton swab or wipe and take out a blood sample from your veins using a needle. The blood sample will be stored safely and transported to the lab for analysis.

Is there any risk associated with the widal test?

There is usually no risk associated with this test. However, some people may feel a slight sting when a needle is pricked and may experience some bleeding that is normal and usually not bothersome. Rarely some people may also experience slight swelling or bruising at the site of the needle prick. Applying ice 3-4 times a day for about a week may help reduce swelling and bruising. If it does not get better, consult your doctor.

How does typhoid spread?

Typhoid spreads by consuming food or water contaminated with Salmonella typhi. You can also get infected if someone infected with typhoid touches your food without washing their hands. People who drink contaminated water or eat food washed in contaminated water can develop typhoid fever. Some other ways via which typhoid fever can be contracted include using a toilet contaminated with bacteria, touching your mouth before washing your hands, eating seafood from a water source contaminated by infected body wastes, eating raw vegetables that have been fertilized with human waste, contaminated milk products, and engaging in oral or anal sex with a person who's a carrier of Salmonella typhi bacteria.

How can I prevent typhoid fever?

Avoiding contaminated foods and drinks can help to prevent typhoid fever. While traveling to an infection-prone area, drink only bottled or boiled water, eat properly and hygienically cooked food, and avoid eating seafood or salads. Additionally, getting vaccinated against typhoid fever can also prevent it.

How long will it take for me to recover from typhoid?

You will start feeling better within a few days, 3 to 5 days, of starting the treatment. However, without any treatment, it can take weeks or even months to fully recover, and the symptoms may return.

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Last Updated

12th Oct 2025