Rota virus antigen detection test: booking, price, and results
About Rota virus antigen detection test: booking, price, and results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Rotavirus Ag test, RV antigen test, rota virus stool test, rotavirus detection test |
| Sample Type | Fresh stool (faeces) |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 2 Days |
| Recommended For | All ages; most commonly infants and young children (6 months to 2 years), elderly individuals, and immunocompromised patients |
| Price | Starting at ₹1,550 |
What is a rota virus antigen detection test?
The rotavirus antigen detection test is a stool-based laboratory test that identifies whether the rotavirus is present in the body. Rotavirus is a contagious virus that causes inflammation of the stomach and intestines, leading to severe watery diarrhoea, particularly in young children. The test is also referred to as the Rotavirus Ag Test or RV Antigen Test. A fresh stool sample is all that is needed for this test.
What does a rota virus antigen detection test measure?
The test looks for a specific protein (antigen) on the surface of the rotavirus in the stool sample. Here is what it detects:
| Component | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Rotavirus Antigen (VP6) | The group-specific protein found on all known human rotaviruses. Its presence in the stool confirms an active rotavirus infection. |
The test uses an enzyme immunoassay (EIA) method to detect these antigens. Antigens are proteins that trigger an immune response, and they can often be found in the stool before or during the symptomatic phase of infection.
Why is a rota virus antigen detection test done?
A doctor may order this test when a patient, particularly a young child, shows signs of a gastrointestinal infection. Below are the main reasons this test is recommended.
Common symptoms that may indicate the need for this test include:
Several symptoms may prompt a doctor to request this test:
- Watery diarrhoea lasting more than one day
- Repeated vomiting
- Fever, especially in infants
- Abdominal pain or cramping
- Loss of appetite
- Signs of dehydration such as dry mouth, reduced urination, or unusual tiredness
Conditions this test can help detect
This test can help identify the following conditions:
- Rotavirus gastroenteritis (infection causing inflammation of the stomach and intestines)
- Nosocomial (hospital-acquired) rotavirus infection
- Co-infection with bacterial or parasitic pathogens alongside a rotavirus infection
How to prepare and what to expect
No special preparation is needed for the rota virus antigen detection test. The sections below explain what to do before and during sample collection.
Do you need to fast?
No. Fasting is not required for this test. You can eat and drink normally before collecting the stool sample.
Practical tips before your test
Keep the following points in mind before collecting the sample:
- Collect the stool sample during the active phase of diarrhoea, ideally within 1 to 4 days of symptom onset.
- Do not collect the sample more than 8 days after symptoms began, as the viral antigen may no longer be detectable.
- Avoid collecting stool from the toilet bowl, and do not place toilet paper in the specimen container.
- Avoid using containers that contain preservatives, detergents, animal serum, or any culture media, as these can interfere with the test.
- Do not collect a sample immediately after a barium enema procedure.
- Bring a detailed clinical history including your symptoms, previous test results, and family history, as this is required for the test.
Step-by-step procedure
Here is how the stool sample is collected:
- Place a piece of plastic wrap loosely over the toilet bowl, held in place by the seat, so the stool falls onto it rather than into the water.
- For infants wearing nappies, line the inside of the diaper with plastic wrap, positioning it carefully to keep urine and stool separate.
- Transfer approximately 5 grams of stool (roughly a teaspoon) into the sterile white-capped container provided by Lupin Diagnostics or your healthcare provider.
- Seal the container tightly and label it with your name and the collection date and time.
- If you cannot hand over the sample immediately, store it in the refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C.
- Deliver the sealed, labelled container to the collection point as soon as possible for transport to the NABL-accredited laboratory.
Factors that can affect accuracy
A few factors may influence your test result:
- Collecting the sample more than 8 days after symptoms began (too late for antigen detection)
- Sample contamination with urine or toilet water
- Improper storage temperature before the sample reaches the lab
- Very small quantity of virus in the stool (more common in mild or late-stage infections)
- Seasonal and geographic factors that affect rotavirus prevalence
Understanding your rota virus antigen detection test results
Your results will indicate whether the rotavirus antigen was detected in your stool sample. Always discuss your results with your doctor for accurate interpretation.
| Parameter | Result | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| Rotavirus Antigen | Negative / Not Detected | No active rotavirus infection found |
| Rotavirus Antigen | Positive / Detected | An active rotavirus infection is present. |
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 affect how rotavirus presents in test results:
- Immunocompromised patients (such as those who have had a bone marrow or solid organ transplant, or those with congenital immunodeficiency) may experience more severe symptoms, and rotavirus antigen may remain detectable in the stool for more than 30 days after infection.
- Preterm infants, elderly individuals in nursing homes, and those in confined settings are more likely to develop symptomatic infection and may shed the virus for longer periods.
How to maintain healthy levels
These general hygiene and wellness habits can help reduce the risk of rotavirus spread:
- Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water, especially after using the toilet and before handling food.
- Clean and disinfect household surfaces regularly, particularly in homes with young children.
- Ensure that eligible infants receive the rotavirus vaccine as per schedule.
Lupin Diagnostics rota virus antigen detection test price and home collection
The rota virus antigen detection test is priced starting at ₹1,550 at Lupin Diagnostics, with home sample collection available across major cities.
| City | Approximate Price ( ₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 1550 |
| CHENNAI | 1550 |
| HYDERABAD | 1550 |
| KOLKATA | 1550 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 1550 |
| PUNE | 1550 |
Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to book
Follow these steps to book your rota virus antigen detection test online:
- 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
The rota virus antigen detection test home collection service is available across cities, allowing you to submit a stool sample without leaving home. All samples are processed in NABL-accredited laboratories by trained professionals. Digital reports are delivered securely to your email or WhatsApp.
Frequently Asked Questions
The rotavirus antigen detection test identifies the presence of rotavirus in a stool sample. It is used to diagnose rotavirus infections, which are a leading cause of severe watery diarrhoea in infants and young children. Doctors also recommend this test to investigate diarrhoea acquired by admitted patients.
This test is recommended for infants, young children, elderly individuals, and immunocompromised patients showing symptoms of gastroenteritis. It is also used to investigate diarrhoea outbreaks in hospital settings. A doctor will advise whether the test is needed based on symptoms and clinical history.
The ideal window is 3 to 5 days after symptoms begin, when the viral antigen count in the stool is at its peak. Samples collected more than 8 days after symptom onset may not contain enough antigen for a reliable result, so prompt collection is important.
The EIA method used for the rota virus antigen detection test has been shown to have 100% sensitivity and 92% specificity when compared with electron microscopy. A negative result does not entirely exclude infection if the sample was collected too late or improperly.
Yes. While rotavirus most commonly affects young children, older children, adults, and people with weakened immune systems can also become infected. Adults generally experience milder symptoms. The rotavirus detection test can be used for any age group when symptoms suggest a gastrointestinal infection.
There is no risk or discomfort associated with this test. It only requires the collection of a stool sample at home using a sterile container. No needles, injections, or invasive procedures are involved.
Watery diarrhoea and vomiting from rotavirus usually last 3 to 8 days. Most people recover at home with adequate rest and fluid intake. However, young children and immunocompromised individuals should be monitored closely, and a doctor should be consulted promptly if symptoms worsen.
Rota virus antigen detection test: booking, price, and results
