Fever Check 8-in-1 Test
Fever Check 8-in-1 Test
The Fever Check 8-in-1 is a comprehensive diagnostic panel designed to identify the causes of fever. It includes a combination of tests to evaluate general health, detect infections, and pinpoint specific pathogens responsible for fever. This panel is particularly useful for diagnosing tropical and viral fevers, as well as monitoring immune response and inflammation.
What is the Fever Check 8-in-1 Panel Used For?
This panel is primarily used to:
- Identify the Cause of Fever: Determine if a fever is due to bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections.
- Diagnose Tropical Diseases: Detect pathogens commonly associated with tropical regions.
- Evaluate Immune Response: Assess inflammation markers and immune system activation.
- Monitor Severe Infections: Aid in diagnosing conditions like COVID-19, dengue, malaria, or leptospirosis.
Components of the Fever Check 8-in-1 Panel
Complete Blood Count (CBC)
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Evaluates overall health by measuring red blood cells, white blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelets. Abnormalities can indicate infections, anemia, or inflammation.
Complete Urine Examination
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Detects urinary tract infections (UTIs) or systemic conditions affecting the kidneys through the analysis of physical, chemical, and microscopic properties of urine.
Interleukin-6 (IL-6)
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A marker of inflammation that helps assess the severity of infections or systemic inflammatory responses, including cytokine storms in severe COVID-19 cases.
SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Qualitative Real-Time PCR
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Detects the presence of COVID-19 by identifying viral RNA, confirming active infection.
Tropical Fever Panel
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- A comprehensive set of tests to identify specific pathogens causing fever:
- Chikungunya Virus: Detects antibodies or antigens associated with chikungunya fever.
- Dengue Virus: Identifies markers of dengue fever, such as NS1 antigen or IgM/IgG antibodies.
- Leptospira spp: Confirms leptospirosis, a bacterial infection often transmitted through contaminated water.
- Malaria spp: Detects malaria parasites, including Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax.
- Rickettsia spp: Identifies infections like typhus or spotted fever caused by Rickettsia bacteria.
- Salmonella spp: Detects typhoid fever caused by Salmonella typhi and Salmonella paratyphi.
- West Nile Virus: Screens for viral infection transmitted by mosquitoes.
- Zika Virus: Identifies Zika virus, another mosquito-borne infection with fever and neurological complications.
Symptoms Indicating the Need for the Test
The Fever Check 8-in-1 panel is recommended if you experience
Persistent or high-grade fever
Chills, sweating, or shivering
Fatigue or body aches
Headache, rash, or muscle pain
Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
Symptoms of respiratory infections, such as cough or shortness of breath
A travel history to tropical or endemic areas with a risk of infectious diseases
Preparation for the Test
To prepare for the Fever Check 8-in-1 Panel:
- Fasting: Fasting is not required unless specified by your healthcare provider.
- Medication Disclosure: Inform your doctor about any medications, including antibiotics, as they may affect test results.
Sample Collection: Blood and urine samples are required. Nasal or throat swabs are collected for COVID-19 PCR testing.
Interpretation of Results
Each test in the panel provides specific insights into the underlying cause of fever:
- CBC:
- High white blood cell count: Suggests bacterial infections or inflammation.
- Low platelet count: Common in dengue or viral fevers.
- Complete Urine Examination:
- Presence of white blood cells, red blood cells, or bacteria: Indicates UTI or systemic infections.
- Interleukin-6 (IL-6):
- Elevated levels: Suggest severe infection, inflammation, or cytokine storm, particularly in COVID-19.
- COVID-19 PCR:
- Positive: Confirms active COVID-19 infection.
- Negative: Rules out active COVID-19 but does not exclude past infection.
- Tropical Fever Panel:
- Positive results for specific pathogens: Identify the exact cause of the fever, enabling targeted treatment.
- Negative results: May require additional testing or evaluation for non-infectious causes of fever.
Results should be interpreted alongside clinical symptoms and medical history for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
FAQs
Can the panel detect the exact cause of fever?
Yes, the panel identifies a wide range of pathogens and evaluates inflammatory markers, providing valuable insights into the cause of fever.
Is this panel useful for recurrent fevers?
Yes, it is especially useful for diagnosing tropical or undiagnosed recurrent fevers.
Can this panel be used for COVID-19 diagnosis alone?
The COVID-19 PCR test within the panel can confirm active infection, but the entire panel is designed for broader fever evaluation.
Are these tests affected by prior treatments?
Yes, antibiotics, antivirals, or steroids may influence some results. Disclose any treatments to your healthcare provider.
How soon are results available?
Results for individual tests may vary, but most are available within 24–48 hours.