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 Widal ?
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 Cost of Widal
The Price of a Widal Test is Rs. 230. However, cost of the Test may fluctuate depending on following factors:
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Other tests advised along with Widal Test
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Offers or discounts
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Empanelment of the patient
What is the Purpose of the Widal ?
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 the Widal Recommended ?
Widal Test is generally recommended if the patient is suffering from following symptoms:
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Headache
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Loss of appetite
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Stomach (abdominal) pain
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Chills
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“Rose spots” rash (faint pink spots, usually on your chest or stomach)
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Cough
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Muscle aches
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Nausea
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Vomiting
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Diarrhea
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Constipation
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High fever that can last for weeks and may get progressively worse over
Preparation for Widal
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Unless otherwise directed by your doctor, there is no need for you to make any special preparations before the Widal Test.
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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.
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Drink adequate water before sample collection.
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Follow the preparatory instructions as guided by your doctor.