What is a Dengue IgG & IgM Antibody Test?
The Dengue IgG & IgM blood test is a serological examination used to detect antibodies produced by the immune system in response to the dengue virus. While the NS1 antigen test is ideal for the very first few days of fever, the antibody test becomes essential as the illness progresses beyond Day 4–5. A Dengue antibody test determines the stage of infection and whether a patient is experiencing dengue for the first time (primary infection) or a repeat infection (secondary infection) — which often carries a higher risk of severe dengue and requires closer monitoring.
- NS1 Antigen — best in Days 1–5. Detects the virus directly.
- Dengue IgM — appears Days 3–5, peaks at 2 weeks, persists 2–3 months. Indicates recent or active infection.
- Dengue IgG — appears Day 7–10 in primary infection. In secondary infection IgG appears rapidly within Day 1–2 and at very high titres.
- Best practice after Day 5 — order NS1 + IgM + IgG together. After Day 7 the IgM/IgG panel alone is sufficient.
Understanding IgM and IgG Results
Your immune system produces these two types of antibodies at different stages:
- IgM Antibodies — the first responders. Appear 3–5 days after fever onset and indicate a recent or active dengue infection. Stay in the blood for 2–3 months after recovery.
- IgG Antibodies — appear later, usually after the first week in primary infection. If IgG is positive alongside IgM, it suggests a secondary (repeat) dengue infection. If only IgG is positive without IgM, it indicates a past resolved infection and long-term immunity to that dengue serotype.
Interpreting Dengue Antibody Results
| NS1 | IgM | IgG | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Positive | Negative | Negative | Early primary dengue (Days 1–3) |
| Positive | Positive | Negative | Active primary dengue (Days 3–7) |
| Negative | Positive | Negative | Recent primary dengue (Days 5–14) |
| Negative | Positive | Positive | Secondary dengue infection — higher risk |
| Negative | Negative | Positive | Past dengue infection — recovered |
| Negative | Negative | Negative | Dengue unlikely — consider other diagnoses |
Your doctor will interpret results alongside your clinical symptoms, fever duration and CBC platelet count.
Why Secondary Dengue is More Dangerous
- There are 4 dengue serotypes (DENV-1 to DENV-4). A first infection with one serotype gives lifelong immunity to that serotype only.
- A second infection with a different serotype is called secondary dengue. Pre-existing antibodies from the first infection can paradoxically enhance the second infection — a process called Antibody-Dependent Enhancement (ADE).
- Secondary dengue has a significantly higher risk of progressing to Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) or Dengue Shock Syndrome (DSS).
- Positive IgG in an acutely febrile patient (alongside IgM or NS1) signals secondary dengue and requires closer hospital-level monitoring of platelets and hematocrit.
When is the Dengue IgG & IgM Test Recommended?
Order this test if you:
- Have had fever for more than 4–5 days with dengue symptoms
- Had a negative NS1 result but symptoms persist
- Want to confirm whether a current fever is dengue or a past resolved infection
- Have had dengue before and are experiencing a new febrile illness
- Need to assess risk of secondary dengue complication
- Are recovering from dengue and need documentation of past infection
Dengue IgG & IgM Test Price in Kolkata
No fasting required | Best after Day 4–5 of fever | Free home collection above ₹2,000
Tests Commonly Ordered Alongside Dengue IgG & IgM
- Dengue NS1 Antigen — ordered together in the transition period (Days 4–7) for maximum diagnostic coverage
- CBC (Complete Blood Count) — platelet count and hematocrit are essential for monitoring dengue severity daily
- Malaria Rapid Antigen / MP Smear — malaria and dengue coexist in Kolkata during monsoon and have overlapping symptoms
- Widal Test — typhoid fever is ruled out alongside dengue serology
- LFT (Liver Function Test) — dengue can cause liver inflammation with elevated SGPT and SGOT
- Serum Electrolytes — dengue causes fluid shifts and electrolyte imbalance requiring monitoring
Home Collection for Dengue IgG & IgM Test in Kolkata
Apollo Diagnostics provides priority home blood sample collection for Dengue IgG & IgM tests across North and Central Kolkata. Febrile patients should rest at home — our phlebotomists come to you. Samples are processed using ELISA technology at our NABL-certified central laboratory with same-day results for most collections.
- Home collection available: 7:00 AM – 2:30 PM Daily
- No fasting required — test can be done at any time
- Priority collection for febrile patients
- Free home collection on orders above ₹2,000
- Digital reports delivered to WhatsApp same day
→ Apollo Diagnostics Nagerbazar → Full List of Individual Tests → Book Home Collection → Full Body Checkup Packages
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