Adenovirus Antigen Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About Adenovirus Antigen Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Adenovirus Ag Test, Adenovirus Rapid Antigen Test, ADV Antigen Test, Adenovirus Respiratory Panel |
| Sample Type | Nasal swab / Throat swab / Nasopharyngeal swab |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 2 days |
| Recommended For | All ages; commonly ordered for children under 5 years |
| Price | Starting at ₹1,800 |
What Is an Adenovirus Antigen Test?
The adenovirus antigen test is a diagnostic test used to detect viral proteins (antigens) of the adenovirus in respiratory specimens. Doctors order it when a patient shows symptoms of a respiratory infection that may be caused by adenovirus. This test is also known as the adenovirus Ag test, adenovirus rapid antigen test, ADV antigen test, or adenovirus respiratory panel. This test uses a nasal swab, throat swab, or nasopharyngeal swab as its sample.
What Does an Adenovirus Antigen Test Measure?
The test detects a single parameter. Here is what it looks for:
| Parameter | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Adenovirus Antigen | Identifies the presence of adenovirus proteins in the respiratory specimen, indicating whether an active adenovirus infection is present |
A positive result means adenovirus antigens were detected in the sample. A negative result means they were not found.
Why Is an Adenovirus Antigen Test Done?
Doctors order this test when a patient presents with symptoms that suggest an adenovirus infection. The results help confirm or rule out the virus as the cause.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
The following symptoms are typical reasons a doctor may recommend the adenovirus antigen test:
- Fever with runny nose or blocked nose
- Sore throat (pharyngitis)
- Pink eye (conjunctivitis) with redness and discharge
- Ear infection (otitis media), particularly in children
- Chest cold (bronchitis) or cough
- Diarrhoea, nausea, or abdominal cramps
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck or throat
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
This test can help identify a range of adenovirus-related conditions:
- Respiratory illnesses including the common cold, croup, bronchitis, and pneumonia
- Conjunctivitis (eye infection) and keratoconjunctivitis (severe eye inflammation)
- Gastroenteritis (inflammation of the stomach and intestines)
- Cystitis and haemorrhagic cystitis (bladder infection with bleeding)
- Pharyngitis (throat inflammation)
- Opportunistic infections in people with weakened immune systems
How to Prepare and What to Expect
No special preparation is required before this test. The steps below will help you have a smooth experience on the day of your appointment.
Do You Need to Fast?
No, fasting is not required for the adenovirus antigen test. You may eat and drink normally before sample collection. However, if your doctor has ordered additional tests, fasting may be required for those specific tests. Always follow the instructions given by your doctor or the diagnostic centre at the time of booking.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
A few simple steps before your test can help improve accuracy and ensure a smooth collection process.
- Bring a detailed clinical history including your symptoms, previous test results, and family history, as this is required for the test
- Try to have the sample collected within the first week of symptom onset, as viral levels are highest during this period
- Inform the healthcare professional about any medications you are currently taking
- Wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to your nasal area
- Avoid blowing your nose immediately before nasal swab collection
Step-by-Step Procedure
- You will be asked to sit comfortably. The healthcare professional will confirm which swab type is to be collected.
- For a nasal swab, a sterile swab is gently inserted about 2 to 3 cm into the nostril and rotated to collect cells from the nasal passage.
- For a throat swab, you will be asked to open your mouth wide while the professional gently rubs a sterile swab against the back of the throat to collect secretions.
- For a nasopharyngeal swab, the swab is inserted into the nostril parallel to the roof of the mouth and guided gently to the back of the nasal cavity; if any resistance is felt, it is repositioned before proceeding.
- The swab is placed into a viral transport medium (VTM) tube and sealed carefully.
- The labelled sample is stored at 2 to 8 degrees Celsius and sent to the laboratory for processing.
- The sample is analysed using the EIA (enzyme immunoassay) method to detect the presence of adenovirus antigens.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Certain conditions may influence the reliability of your test result:
- Timing of collection (samples collected too early or too late in the infection may give inaccurate results)
- Swab technique and the quality of the collected sample
- Use of antiviral medications before sample collection
- Very early-stage infections where the viral load may still be low
- Improper storage or transport of the sample
Understanding Your Adenovirus Antigen Test Results
Your test result will be reported as either positive or negative. Always review your results with your doctor, who will consider your symptoms and overall health when interpreting them. The table below shows general reference ranges:
| Parameter | Result | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| Adenovirus Antigen | Negative (not detected) | No adenovirus antigen found in the sample |
| Adenovirus Antigen | Positive (detected) | Adenovirus antigen present; infection likely |
These ranges are general guidelines. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your age, health history, and other factors. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised medical advice.
Results During Special Conditions
Certain health conditions can influence how results are interpreted:
- People with weakened immune systems, such as those on immunosuppressive therapy or with underlying illness, are at higher risk of adenovirus infection and may shed the virus for extended periods, sometimes without symptoms.
- In early-stage infections, the viral load may still be below the detection threshold of the test, which can lead to a false negative result. If symptoms persist despite a negative result, your doctor may recommend confirmatory laboratory testing.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
These general hygiene and wellness tips can help reduce the risk of adenovirus infection.
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water, especially after touching shared surfaces or being around unwell individuals
- Avoid sharing towels, cups, or personal items with anyone showing symptoms of a cold or eye infection
- Ensure swimming pools are adequately chlorinated, as this helps prevent adenoviral eye infections
Lupin Diagnostics Adenovirus Antigen Test Price and Home Collection
The adenovirus antigen test cost at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹1,800, and home sample collection is available across cities. The table below shows approximate prices in major cities.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 1800 |
| CHENNAI | 1800 |
| HYDERABAD | 1800 |
| KOLKATA | 1800 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 1800 |
| PUNE | 1800 |
Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
Follow these steps for adenovirus antigen test online booking:
- Select the test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred time slot.
- Opt for home sample collection by a certified phlebotomist, or visit your nearest Lupin Diagnostics centre.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Home Collection
Adenovirus antigen test home collection is available across cities, making it convenient to get tested without visiting a centre. All samples are processed in NABL-accredited laboratories by trained professionals. Your digital report is delivered directly to your email or WhatsApp within 2 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
The adenovirus antigen test is used to detect the presence of adenovirus in a sample taken from the nose, throat, or stool. It helps doctors confirm whether symptoms such as fever, sore throat, pink eye, or diarrhoea are caused by an adenovirus infection. The test is particularly useful in young children and immunocompromised individuals.
At Lupin Diagnostics, your report is typically delivered within 2 days of sample collection. You will receive your results digitally via email or WhatsApp.
The test is recommended for anyone showing symptoms associated with adenovirus infection, such as persistent fever, conjunctivitis, or gastrointestinal illness. It is especially common in children under 5 years, though people of all ages can be affected.
No fasting or special preparation is required before the adenovirus antigen test. The most important step is to get tested early in the illness, ideally within the first week of symptom onset, to improve detection accuracy.
Not always. A negative result may occur if the sample was collected after viral levels had already declined or if the viral load was below the test's detection limit. If your doctor still suspects adenovirus infection despite a negative result, they may recommend a PCR test for confirmation.
Yes. The test is safe and commonly performed in children. Adenoviruses are among the most frequent causes of respiratory and gastrointestinal illness in young children, making this test a useful diagnostic tool in paediatric care.
Adenovirus Antigen Test: Booking, Price, and Results
