Enterovirus Antigen Stool Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About Enterovirus Antigen Stool Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Enterovirus stool antigen test, EV antigen stool test, stool enterovirus test |
| Sample Type | Fresh stool sample |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 2 days |
| Recommended For | All ages, particularly infants and young children with suspected enterovirus infection |
| Price | Starting at ₹2,200 |
What Is an Enterovirus Antigen Stool Test?
The enterovirus antigen stool test detects viral proteins from enteroviruses in a fresh stool sample. Doctors order it when a patient – most often a young child – shows signs of an enterovirus infection. It is also called the enterovirus stool antigen test or EV antigen stool test. The test uses an immunochromatography method, which works by using antibodies to identify enterovirus proteins in the sample.
What Does an Enterovirus Antigen Stool Test Measure?
This test looks for one specific marker in the stool sample. The table below explains what is being detected and why it matters.
| Parameter | What It Detects | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Enterovirus Antigen | Viral proteins from enteroviruses present in stool | Confirms whether an active enterovirus infection is present |
Enteroviruses belong to the Picornaviridae family and are among the smallest viruses known to infect humans. They spread mainly via the faecal–oral route, meaning transmission occurs through contact with infected stool, contaminated surfaces, or bodily secretions.
Why Is an Enterovirus Antigen Stool Test Done?
A doctor may recommend the enterovirus antigen test when a patient's symptoms suggest an enterovirus infection. The reasons vary depending on age and overall health.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
Several symptoms may prompt a doctor to order this test. The following are listed in decreasing order of how commonly they trigger this investigation:
- Fever
- Runny nose and sore throat
- Cough or wheezing
- Digestive symptoms such as nausea or loose stools
- Skin rash or mouth sores
- Eye pain or redness
- Muscle aches and sneezing
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
This test can help identify a range of conditions caused by enterovirus infection. These include:
- Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD): a common viral illness in infants and children, causing sores on the hands, feet, and mouth
- Viral meningitis: infection and swelling of the protective layers around the brain and spinal cord
- Herpangina: mouth ulcers accompanied by fever
- Myocarditis: inflammation of the heart muscle
- Acute flaccid myelitis (AFM): an uncommon neurological condition causing limb weakness, mainly in children
- Encephalitis: swelling of the brain
- Guillain-Barré syndrome: nerve damage that causes progressive weakness
- In newborns: liver inflammation, blood clotting problems, and severe sepsis
How to Prepare and What to Expect
The test procedure is straightforward and requires no special preparation beforehand. Here is what you need to know before and during sample collection.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required for this test. There are no dietary or fluid restrictions. You may eat and drink as normal before collecting the sample.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
A few simple steps will help ensure a good-quality sample is collected:
- Bring a detailed clinical history, including your symptoms, previous test results, and any relevant medical records, as this is required for the test.
- Use only the sterile container provided by the laboratory.
- Collect the sample before administering any new medications if possible; inform your doctor of all current medicines.
- Avoid contaminating the sample with urine or toilet water.
- Send the sample to the laboratory promptly after collection; refrigerate it if there is a delay.
Step-by-Step Procedure
The test procedure involves collecting a stool sample at home or at the collection centre. Follow these steps carefully:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after collection.
- Collect approximately 5 grams of fresh stool (about the size of a small marble) in the sterile container provided by the laboratory.
- Close the container tightly and label it clearly with the patient's name, age, and date of collection.
- Store the sample in the refrigerator (between 2°C and 8°C) if it cannot be sent immediately.
- Hand the sample to the home collection professional or bring it to your nearest Lupin Diagnostics centre as soon as possible.
- The sample is transported to the NABL-accredited laboratory, where it is tested using the immunochromatography method.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Certain factors may influence the reliability of the result. Be aware of the following:
- Collecting the sample too early or too late in the course of illness (early collection gives the best results)
- Contamination of the sample with urine, water, or other substances
- Improper sealing or labelling of the container
- Delay in transporting the sample to the laboratory
- Low viral shedding, which can occur naturally even during active infection
Understanding Your Enterovirus Antigen Stool Test Results
Your doctor will review your result alongside your symptoms, age, and medical history. The table below shows what the result means in general terms.
| Parameter | Normal Result | Positive Result |
|---|---|---|
| Enterovirus antigen | Negative (not detected) | Positive (detected) |
A negative result means that no enterovirus antigen was found in the stool sample at the time of testing. A positive result indicates the presence of enterovirus antigen, suggesting an active or recent infection. It may be associated with conditions such as hand, foot and mouth disease, aseptic meningitis, encephalitis, or infections caused by specific enteroviruses such as Coxsackievirus A16 or Enterovirus 71.
Disclaimer: These results are general guidelines only. Your doctor will interpret them based on your age, medical history, and clinical condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised medical advice.
Results During Special Conditions
Certain groups may show different patterns of viral shedding, which can affect how results are interpreted:
- Infants and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to develop complications from enterovirus infection. Viral shedding in stool can continue for several weeks – in some cases up to three months – after the infection begins, even without any symptoms.
- In newborns under 28 days old, the clinical picture can range from no symptoms at all to severe illness, including sepsis, myocarditis, and meningoencephalitis.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
Good hygiene habits are the most effective way to reduce the risk of enterovirus infection:
- Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the toilet and after changing nappies.
- Avoid sharing cups, utensils, or towels with anyone who appears unwell.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, particularly in bathrooms and kitchens.
Lupin Diagnostics Enterovirus Antigen Stool Test Price and Home Collection
The enterovirus antigen test is available at Lupin Diagnostics starting at ₹2,200, with home sample collection available across cities.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 2200 |
| CHENNAI | 2200 |
| HYDERABAD | 2200 |
| KOLKATA | 2200 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 2200 |
| PUNE | 2200 |
Disclaimer: Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
Booking your test online is quick and straightforward:
- 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
Enterovirus antigen test home collection is available across cities through Lupin Diagnostics. A certified professional will visit your home to collect the stool sample in a sterile container. All samples are processed in NABL-accredited laboratories, and your digital report will be shared with you within 2 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
The enterovirus antigen stool test detects viral proteins in a stool sample to confirm an enterovirus infection. It helps diagnose conditions such as hand, foot, and mouth disease, viral meningitis, and myocarditis. It is particularly useful in infants and young children with unexplained fever or rash.
This test is recommended for anyone with suspected enterovirus infection, especially young children and infants. Children and teenagers are more likely to become unwell from enterovirus because they have not yet built up immunity from previous exposures. Adults with weakened immune systems may also need this test.
Collect a fresh stool sample in the sterile container provided by Lupin Diagnostics. Avoid mixing the sample with urine or toilet water. Close the lid firmly, label the container with patient details, and keep it refrigerated until the home collection professional picks it up.
Enterovirus can be detected in stool for several weeks after the infection starts. In some cases, shedding through stool can continue for up to 11 weeks. Detection is generally most reliable during the first few weeks of illness.
No. This test confirms whether enterovirus antigen is present but does not identify the exact type. Determining the specific enterovirus type requires specialised molecular testing at a reference laboratory, which a doctor can arrange if needed.
No fasting is required. You can eat and drink normally before and during sample collection. There are no special dietary restrictions associated with this test.
A detailed clinical history, including your symptoms, how long they have been present, and any relevant medical background, is required for this test. This information helps the laboratory and your doctor interpret the result accurately in the context of your overall condition.
Enterovirus Antigen Stool Test: Booking, Price, and Results
