Overview
Widal Test is an agglutination test which detects the presence of serum agglutinins (H and O) in patients serum with typhoid and paratyphoid fever.The Widal test is the reliable and can be of value in the diagnosis of typhoid fevers in endemic areas.Salmonella antibody starts appearing in serum at the end of first week and rise sharply during the 3rd week of endemic fever. In acute typhoid fever, O agglutinins can usually be detected 6-8 days after the onset of fever and H agglutinins after 10-12 days. It is preferable to test two specimens of sera at an interval of 7 to 10 days to demonstrate a rising antibody titre.
What is the Widal Test ?
Widal Test is an agglutination test which detects the presence of serum agglutinins (H and O) in patients serum with Typhoid and Paratyphoid Fever. The Widal Test is the reliable and can be of value in the diagnosis of Typhoid Fevers in endemic areas. Salmonella antibody starts appearing in serum at the end of first week and rise sharply during the 3rd week of endemic fever. In acute typhoid fever, O agglutinins can usually be detected 6-8 days after the onset of fever and H agglutinins after 10-12 days. It is preferable to test two specimens of sera at an interval of 7 to 10 days to demonstrate a rising antibody titre.
What is the Purpose of the Widal Test ?
By identifying the presence of certain antibodies in a patient's blood against the antigens of Salmonella typhi and Salmonella paratyphi, the Widal test helps diagnose typhoid and paratyphoid fever. The test determines whether the patient has come into contact with these pathogens, which have the potential to cause dangerous systemic illnesses. It is especially helpful in regions where
typhoid fever is prevalent, but because of its limitations, it is generally used in conjunction with other diagnostic tests and clinical evaluations.
When is a Widal Test Recommended ?
Widal Test is generally recommended if the patient is suffering from following symptoms:
- Headache
- Loss of appetite
- Stomach (abdominal) pain
- Chills
- “Rose spots” rash (faint pink spots, usually on your chest or stomach)
- Cough
- Muscle aches
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- High fever that can last for weeks and may get progressively worse over
Preparation for Widal Test
- Unless otherwise directed by your doctor, there is no need for you to make any special preparations before the Widal Test.
- Other blood tests can be carried out in addition to this test. If your doctor advises you to have multiple tests at once, they may ask you to fast for a specific period of time prior to a blood test.
- Drink adequate water before sample collection.
- Follow the preparatory instructions as guided by your doctor.
What is the Cost of a Widal Test ?
The Price of a Widal Test is Rs. 230. However, cost of the Test may fluctuate depending on following factors:
- Other tests advised along with Widal Test
- Offers or discounts
- Empanelment of the patient
Components of Widal Test
- Widal Test: Based on the principle of agglutination, the Widal test detects the presence of particular antibodies in the patient's serum that react with antigens from Salmonella typhi and Salmonella paratyphi. In the event that antibodies are present, they attach themselves to the antigens and produce clumping that is visible (agglutination). This response suggests previous or current infection with the bacteria.
Interpreting the Widal Test Results
Following are the possibilities of a Widal Test:
- Positive Agglutination: It signifies current or previous infection with Salmonella typhi or Salmonella paratyphi.
- No Agglutination: It signifies no previous or current infection with Salmonella typhi or Salmonella paratyphi
How is the Widal Test Done ?
The Blood Sample for Widal Test is taken in following steps:
- The area where the needle will be inserted to take your blood is cleaned with an antiseptic alcohol wipe. The hollow on the inside side of the elbow or the tip of the finger are the most common sites for this.
- A tourniquet or a band is tied around your upper arm to facilitate the access to the vein in your arm.
- A needle is used to puncture your vein. The blood sample is collected into a test tube attached to the needle. The needle may cause a small pinch or sting when it is inserted.
- Once the vial or test tube is filled, the blood sample collection for the test is finished and the needle is taken out.
- Finger pressure is applied on the puncture site to stop the bleeding and the band aid is applied at the site.
How to Schedule A Widal Test with Dr. B. Lal Lab ?
- Go to the Dr. B. Lal Lab website.
- Go to the “Book a test” tab.
- Select the “Lab Test” tab.
- Type “Widal Test” in the search bar.
- Click on the test.
- The test page with all the test details will show up.
- Click on “Book Now”.
- Login and verify your mobile number with OTP.
- Now enter your details.
- Select date & time for booking Widal Test in Jaipur.
- Check out.
+91 9166125555
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