Dengue IgG & IgM- Rapid Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About Dengue IgG & IgM- Rapid Test
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Dengue Antibody Test, Dengue Serology Test, Dengue IgG/IgM Rapid Card Test, Dengue Fever Antibody Test |
| Sample Type | Serum |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 1 day |
| Recommended For | All ages; anyone with suspected dengue symptoms or recent travel to dengue-prone areas |
| Price | Starting at ₹1,100 |
What Is a Dengue IgG & IgM- Rapid Test?
The dengue IgG & IgM- rapid test is a blood test that checks for antibodies produced by the body in response to dengue virus infection. It detects two types of antibodies: IgM, which appear early in infection, and IgG, which develop later and can persist for months or years. Doctors typically order this test when a patient presents with fever and other symptoms suggestive of dengue fever. This test is also known as the dengue antibody test, dengue serology test, dengue IgG/IgM rapid card test, or dengue fever antibody test. A small serum sample is collected from a vein and processed using a rapid card-based method.
What Does a Dengue IgG & IgM- Rapid Test Measure?
This test uses immunochromatography to identify the presence of dengue-specific antibodies in your blood. The table below explains what each component indicates:
| Parameter | What It Detects |
|---|---|
| Dengue IgM Antibody | Indicates a recent or active dengue infection; typically appears 4 to 5 days after symptoms begin |
| Dengue IgG Antibody | Indicates past dengue exposure or a secondary infection; detectable from around 1 to 2 weeks after infection and may persist for years |
Why Is a Dengue IgG & IgM- Rapid Test Done?
This test helps confirm or rule out dengue infection in people showing relevant symptoms. It is also used to understand whether someone is experiencing dengue for the first time or has been infected previously.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
The following symptoms commonly prompt a doctor to recommend the dengue IgG & IgM- rapid test:
- Sudden high fever lasting 2 to 7 days
- Severe headache
- Pain behind the eyes (retro-orbital pain)
- Muscle and joint pain
- Skin rash (flat or slightly raised red patches)
- Mild bleeding, such as nose bleeds or gum bleeding
- Fatigue and general weakness
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
This test helps identify or rule out the following:
- Dengue fever caused by the dengue virus, transmitted through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito
- Primary dengue infection (first-time exposure), identified by a positive IgM and negative IgG result
- Secondary dengue infection (re-infection with a different dengue strain), identified by a positive IgG result
- Differentiation of dengue from other febrile illnesses such as chikungunya, Zika virus, malaria, and typhoid
How to Prepare and What to Expect
No special preparation is needed before this test. The process is quick and straightforward.
Do You Need to Fast?
No, fasting is not required. You can eat and drink normally before your dengue IgG & IgM- rapid test. If your doctor has ordered additional tests alongside this one, check whether any of those require fasting.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
A few simple steps can help ensure an accurate sample collection:
- Inform your doctor or the collecting technician about any recent travel to dengue-prone areas
- Mention any previous dengue infections or flavivirus vaccinations, such as yellow fever vaccination
- Stay well-hydrated before collection; dehydration can make vein access more difficult
- Bring a detailed clinical history including your symptoms, previous test results, and relevant medical history, as this is required for the test
- Tell your doctor about any blood transfusions received in recent months
Step-by-Step Procedure
Here is what to expect during the dengue IgG & IgM- rapid test procedure:
- A trained phlebotomist cleans the inside of your elbow with an antiseptic solution.
- A fine needle is inserted into a vein to draw a small blood sample of approximately 3 ml into a gel tube.
- The blood is processed to separate the serum (the clear liquid portion).
- A small amount of serum is placed onto the rapid test strip and left to react for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Lines appear on the strip, and a trained technician reads and records the result.
- The sample is labelled and dispatched to the NABL-accredited laboratory for confirmation and report generation.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
The following factors may influence your test results:
- Testing too early (before 5 days of symptom onset) may produce a false-negative IgM result
- Recent blood transfusions can affect antibody levels and result validity
- Immunosuppression (a weakened immune system) may reduce antibody response, making results harder to interpret
- Cross-reactivity with other flaviviruses such as Zika, West Nile, or Japanese encephalitis viruses
- Prior flavivirus vaccination may affect IgG results
Understanding Your Dengue IgG & IgM- Rapid Test Results
Your doctor will review your results alongside your symptoms, travel history, and clinical examination. The table below shows general reference ranges and what different result combinations may suggest:
| Parameter | Normal Result | What a Positive Result May Suggest |
|---|---|---|
| Dengue IgM | Negative / Non-reactive | Recent or active dengue infection (detectable from day 4 to 5) |
| Dengue IgG | Negative / Non-reactive | Past dengue infection or secondary re-infection |
The four result patterns below help doctors understand the stage and type of infection:
| IgM | IgG | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| Negative | Negative | No evidence of current or past dengue infection |
| Positive | Negative | Suggests a primary (first-time) dengue infection |
| Negative | Positive | Suggests past infection or prior exposure; IgG can persist for years |
| Positive | Positive | Suggests a secondary (re-infection) dengue episode |
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 circumstances can alter how results should be interpreted:
- Cross-reactivity with other flaviviruses (such as Zika, West Nile, or St. Louis encephalitis) can produce false-positive IgG results. Additional testing and a detailed exposure history may be needed to confirm the infecting virus.
- Positive results may not be reliable in people who have received blood transfusions or blood products in recent months. Negative results in immunosuppressed patients should also be interpreted with care.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
The following general wellness steps can help reduce your risk of dengue infection:
- Use mosquito repellent and wear full-sleeved clothing, particularly during early morning and evening hours when mosquitoes are most active.
- Remove stagnant water from plant pots, coolers, and containers around your home to reduce mosquito breeding sites.
- If you have been diagnosed with dengue, stay well hydrated, rest adequately, and follow your doctor's guidance on when to seek further care.
Lupin Diagnostics Dengue IgG & IgM- Rapid Test Price and Home Collection
The dengue IgG & IgM- rapid test cost at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹1,100, and home collection is available across multiple cities in India. The table below shows indicative prices:
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 1100 |
| CHENNAI | 500 |
| HYDERABAD | 1100 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 1100 |
| PUNE | 1100 |
Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
Home Collection
Lupin Diagnostics offers dengue IgG & IgM- rapid test home collection across cities, making it convenient to get tested without visiting a centre. All samples are processed in NABL-accredited laboratories by experienced professionals. Your digital report is delivered directly to you via email or WhatsApp.
How to Book
Follow these steps for dengue IgG & IgM- rapid 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
The test is most reliable when taken 5 to 7 days after symptoms begin. Testing too early may return a false-negative IgM result, as antibodies take a few days to reach detectable levels. If your symptoms persist and the first result is negative, your doctor may advise repeat testing.
Substantial amounts of IgM antibodies appear within 4 to 5 days of infection and indicate a recent or active infection. IgG antibodies develop later, around 1 to 2 weeks after infection, and can remain detectable for months or years. Together, they help identify whether the infection is a first-time or repeat episode.
Yes, false results are possible. The test can cross-react with other flaviviruses such as Zika, West Nile, or Japanese encephalitis, which may produce a false-positive IgG result. If your symptoms do not match the result, your doctor may recommend confirmatory testing such as PCR or the NS1 antigen test.
No. This test is qualitative, meaning it only tells you whether antibodies are present or absent. It cannot identify the specific dengue serotype (1, 2, 3, or 4). Serotype identification requires separate molecular testing, such as RT-PCR.
A negative result does not always rule out dengue, especially if the test was done very early in the illness. Your doctor may recommend repeat testing 10 to 12 days after exposure or request NS1 antigen testing, which is effective in the early days of infection. Always follow your doctor's guidance.
A primary infection is your first-ever dengue infection, usually marked by a positive IgM and negative IgG result. A secondary infection occurs when you are re-infected with a different dengue strain; this typically shows a positive IgG result. Secondary infections can sometimes cause more serious illness.
Dengue IgG & IgM- Rapid Test: Booking, Price, and Results
