Types of Dengue Tests and Common Mistakes

Dengue Test Types and Common Mistakes

1. Dengue NS1 Antigen Test: • Should be done within the first 5 days • Detects the presence of the virus antigen • If positive, Dengue is confirmed

Mistake: Performing NS1 after 6 days → leads to false negative results

2. IgM Antibody Test: • Becomes positive after 6-7 days • IgM appears when the body reacts to Dengue

Mistake: Doing IgM test while fever is ongoing → report may be negative even if Dengue is present!

3. CBC (Complete Blood Count): • Shows if platelets are decreasing • Important to check if Hematocrit is increasing • Very useful during the critical phase

Mistake: Focusing only on platelets and ignoring Hematocrit

Common mistakes related to testing: 1. Relying on a single test and relaxing 2. Testing without following the correct timing 3. Panicking or transfusing based only on platelet count

In short: Understanding which Dengue tests to do and when is very important. Always make decisions under doctor’s guidance.