Rotavirus Antigen Detection, Stool Test
Rotavirus Antigen Detection, Stool Test
Rotavirus Antigen test detects the presence of rotavirus in a stool sample. Rotavirus is a leading cause for infectious diarrhoea in children. This infection is communicable and can spread from one person to another via contact with contaminated surfaces or by sharing food with the affected person. This test is recommended for people suffering from uncontrolled diarrhoea.
What is the Rotavirus Antigen Detection, Stool Test Used For?
The rotavirus antigen detection test checks for rotavirus in the faeces of people with infectious diarrhoea to diagnose rotavirus infection.
Symptoms of Infectious Diarrhoea
Some of the Symptoms of Infectious Diarrhoea are
Fever
Watery Diarrhoea
Nausea
Vomiting
Pain in the Abdomen
Loss of Appetite
Dehydration
Preparation for Test
Stool sample should be collected in a stool sample collection box. It is advised to get tested within 1-4 days after observing the symptoms and definitely within 8 days of first observing the symptoms. Also inform the physician of any medicine, supplements, or other treatments that the patient is availing.
Interpretation of Test Results
Presence of rotavirus antigen in the stool sample indicates that you may have a rotavirus infection.
If the test results are negative then it may either mean that the test has been done after 8 days when the virus is not being shed in the faeces, or the results are normal, and you are not infected with it. Contact the physician to better understand your results. If your symptoms are not caused by rotavirus, your physician may advise other tests for diagnosing the cause of your symptoms.
FAQs
How is the sample collected for the Rotavirus Antigen Test?
You will be asked to give a sample of stool in a stool sample collection box.
What is the turnaround time (TAT) for the Rotavirus Antigen test?
The tests results should come within 1-3 days after the stool sample is taken. This time would depend on the diagnostic laboratory that has taken the sample for analysis.
Are there any precautions for the sample collection?
Please ensure that stool sample is not collected from the toilet bowl. Use the disposable stool sample collection box given by the diagnostic laboratory, following the instructions given by the laboratory for sample collection. For children, make sure that the stool sample is not mixed with urine or other materials.
Is there any treatment for rotavirus infection?
There is no treatment for rotavirus infection. There are rotavirus vaccines available. Please contact your physician for more information on these vaccines. Your physician may prescribe medicines to help you cope with the symptoms of this infection.
In these infections, children can become dehydrated quickly, due to watery diarrhoea. So, it is important that they are well hydrated and given ORS (Oral Rehydration Solution) to replenish the lost fluids and electrolytes. If the dehydration seems severe, it is better to contact the physician to manage the symptoms with IV fluids.
How long will the symptoms last?
Usually, the symptoms of vomiting and diarrhoea may last for 4-8 days after the infection, after which the virus may be eliminated from the system.
How do I stop other family members from getting infected with rotavirus?
Rotavirus infection spreads when other people touch surfaces contaminated with rotavirus. Maintaining hygiene by cleaning surfaces, washing hands before eating food and ensuring that food is not shared with an infected person would decrease the chances of getting infected by rotavirus. Children tend to put their hands in their mouth without proper hand hygiene after using the toilet, causing infection. Their hygiene should also be cared for.
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