Everything you need to know about dengue fever — warning signs, the right blood tests to confirm it, prices in Kolkata, and how to book a same-day home sample collection near you.
What Is Dengue Fever?
Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne viral infection spread by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which typically bites during the day. It is extremely common during and after the monsoon season in Kolkata, when stagnant water creates ideal mosquito breeding grounds in localities across North and Central Kolkata. Dengue can range from a mild flu-like illness to a severe condition involving bleeding, plasma leakage, and a dangerous drop in platelet count, which is why early blood testing is so important.
Common Symptoms of Dengue Fever
Dengue symptoms usually appear 4–10 days after a mosquito bite and can be mistaken for typhoid, malaria, or a common viral fever. Watch out for:
- Sudden high-grade fever (often 102–104°F)
- Severe headache and pain behind the eyes
- Joint, muscle, and bone pain ("breakbone fever")
- Skin rash appearing 2–5 days after fever onset
- Nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite
- Mild bleeding — nosebleeds or bleeding gums
- Fatigue and low platelet count on blood work
Which Blood Tests Confirm Dengue Fever?
A doctor cannot confirm dengue from symptoms alone — a fever blood test panel is essential. Apollo Diagnostics Kolkata offers a full range of individual fever and infection screening tests as well as bundled fever packages with home sample collection in Nagerbazar, Sealdah, and surrounding areas.
Individual Fever & Infection Screening Tests
| Test | Purpose | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Dengue NS1 Antigen | Early detection within the first 5 days of infection | ₹750 |
| Dengue IgG & IgM Antibodies | Confirms current or past dengue infection | ₹1500 |
| Complete Blood Count (CBC) | Tracks platelet count, WBC, and anemia during fever | ₹395 |
| C-Reactive Protein (CRP) | Detects inflammation or infection severity | ₹500 |
| Malaria Parasite (MP) Smear | Microscopic detection of malaria, a key dengue differential | ₹190 |
| Malaria Antigen Test | Rapid malaria screening | ₹850 |
| Widal Test | Screens for typhoid fever antibodies | ₹410 |
| Typhidot IgM | Detects early-stage typhoid infection | ₹670 |
Why NS1, IgM and IgG Matter
The Dengue NS1 antigen test is most accurate in the first five days of fever, while IgM and IgG antibody tests become more reliable after this window and can also indicate whether the infection is a first-time or repeat dengue infection. Doctors often order both together during fever week 1–2 for a complete diagnostic picture.
Dengue & Fever Health Checkup Packages in Kolkata
For faster, bundled diagnosis, Apollo Diagnostics offers structured Fever Assessment packages that combine dengue, malaria, typhoid, and inflammatory markers in a single home visit.
Xpert Fever Profile (5 Tests)
CBC, Urine (CUE), Malaria Parasite, Widal Test, ESR — a starting fever workup.
Xpert Fever Assessment – Basic (8 Tests)
Fever Profile + Dengue NS1/IgG/IgM and Malarial Antigen for confirmed dengue diagnosis.
Xpert Fever Assessment – Advance (9 Tests)
Fever Basic package + Typhidot and Quantitative CRP for severity tracking.
Xpert Fever Ultra (12 Tests)
Fever Advance + Chikungunya and Peripheral Blood Smear for comprehensive vector-borne fever screening.
Other Blood Tests Commonly Recommended Alongside Dengue
Because dengue affects platelets, the liver, and hydration levels, doctors frequently pair the dengue panel with these associated blood tests:
| Associated Test | Why It's Recommended | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Liver Function Test (LFT) | Dengue can affect liver enzymes and bile levels | ₹900 |
| Kidney Function Test (KFT) | Monitors hydration and kidney stress during fever | ₹900 |
| Electrolytes (Na, K, Cl) | Checks fluid balance, important during high fever and vomiting | ₹660 |
| Platelet Count / CBC | Tracks the platelet drop typical in dengue | ₹395 |
| ESR | Indicates inflammation severity | Included in Fever Profile |
| Urine Routine (Urine R/M) | Detects any secondary infection or metabolic disturbance | ₹180 |
| HS-CRP | Assesses inflammatory and cardiac stress markers in prolonged fever | ₹940 |
| Procalcitonin | Helps distinguish bacterial from viral infection in unclear fever cases | ₹3500 |
Home Blood Sample Collection for Dengue Testing
Since dengue patients are advised to rest and avoid unnecessary travel, Apollo Diagnostics Kolkata provides doorstep sample collection with cold-chain kits to keep samples stable, followed by same-day digital reports via SMS or email.
How It Works
- Book: Call or WhatsApp to schedule a convenient time.
- Collection: A certified phlebotomist visits your home.
- Safety: Specialized cold-chain kits keep samples stable for accurate results.
- Digital Reports: Get results via SMS/Email, usually the same day.
Home Collection Timings: 7:00 AM – 2:30 PM (Daily). Service charges may apply based on distance, with free collection available on select health packages.
Areas We Serve in Kolkata
Apollo Diagnostics Kolkata's home collection network covers a wide stretch of North, Central, and East Kolkata for both individual fever tests and full body checkups.
North Kolkata Zone
Nagerbazar, Dum Dum, Dum Dum Cantonment, Gorabazar, Satgachi, Lake Town, Bangur, Baguiati, Arjunpur, Chatakol, Birati, Amarpalli, Motijheel, Patipukur, Subhash Nagar, Dum Dum Park, Bandhab Nagar, Kaikhali, Mondal Ganthi, Melabagan Estate, Basak Bagan, Surer Math, K.B. Sarani, and Dum Dum Road.
Central & East Kolkata Zone
Sealdah, Taltala, Phoolbagan, Beliaghata, Entally, Rajabazar (Ideal Heights), Bowbazar, College Street, Hedua, Park Street, Park Circus, Kankurgachi, Tangra, Beniapukur, and areas near NRS Hospital.
Other Localities
Camac Street, Ripon Street, China Town, Esplanade, Chandni Chowk, Narkeldanga, BBD Bagh, Girish Park, Baithakkhana, Bediapara, and Jessore Road, VIP Road, CIT Road, and APC Road landmarks.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When should I get a dengue blood test done?
If you have had a sudden high fever for more than 2 days, especially during monsoon or post-monsoon months, it's best to get a Dengue NS1 test within the first 5 days, followed by IgG/IgM if the fever continues.
2. Can dengue and typhoid happen together?
Yes, co-infections are possible, which is why bundled fever packages that include Dengue, Widal (Typhoid), and Malaria tests are recommended over single tests during unexplained fever.
3. Do I need to fast before a dengue test?
No fasting is required for dengue NS1, IgG/IgM, or CBC. However, if the package includes Fasting Blood Sugar or Lipid Profile, a 10–12 hour fast is advised.
4. How soon will I get my dengue test report?
Most fever and infection tests, including dengue NS1 and CBC, are reported the same day, helping your doctor start treatment without delay.
5. Is home sample collection safe during dengue fever?
Yes. Certified phlebotomists visit your home with cold-chain collection kits, letting you rest at home instead of travelling to a lab while unwell.
Book Your Dengue & Fever Blood Test Today
Home sample collection available across North & Central Kolkata with same-day digital reports.
Book on WhatsAppDisclaimer: The prices of health checkup packages and diagnostic tests mentioned in this article are indicative and subject to change without prior notice. Actual prices may vary based on location, additional tests, or ongoing offers. Please contact Apollo Diagnostics Kolkata (Nagerbazar or Sealdah) for the most accurate, updated pricing. This article is for general health awareness and is not a substitute for professional medical advice — always consult a qualified doctor for diagnosis and treatment of dengue fever.
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