Dengue IgG & IgM Antibody Test in Kolkata | Home Collection & NABL-Certified Results

Apollo Diagnostics | NABL-Certified Lab | No Fasting Required | Priority Home Collection During Fever

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.

Quick guide — NS1 vs IgM vs IgG:
  • 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

NS1IgMIgGInterpretation
PositiveNegativeNegativeEarly primary dengue (Days 1–3)
PositivePositiveNegativeActive primary dengue (Days 3–7)
NegativePositiveNegativeRecent primary dengue (Days 5–14)
NegativePositivePositiveSecondary dengue infection — higher risk
NegativeNegativePositivePast dengue infection — recovered
NegativeNegativeNegativeDengue 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

Secondary dengue — what it means and why it matters:
  • 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

Dengue IgG & IgM Antibody Test Price: ₹1,500
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

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is the Dengue IgG & IgM test used for?
The Dengue IgG & IgM antibody test detects the immune system's response to dengue infection. IgM indicates recent or active infection (from Day 4–5 onwards). IgG indicates secondary dengue when positive alongside IgM, or past resolved infection when positive alone. It is the preferred test after Day 5 when the NS1 antigen begins to decline.
Q2. When should I get the Dengue IgM & IgG test done?
This test is most useful after Day 4–5 of fever when IgM antibodies have had time to develop. If your NS1 test was negative but fever persists beyond Day 5, order IgM & IgG. After Day 7 the antibody panel alone is sufficient to confirm dengue. In the transition period (Days 4–7) order NS1 + IgM + IgG together for maximum coverage.
Q3. Does the Dengue IgG & IgM test require fasting?
No. The Dengue IgG & IgM test does not require fasting. The blood sample can be taken at any time of day. Since dengue patients are unwell with fever, home collection is strongly recommended.
Q4. What is the Dengue IgG & IgM test price at Apollo Diagnostics Kolkata?
The Dengue IgG & IgM Antibody test price at Apollo Diagnostics is ₹1,500. No fasting required. Home collection is available free on orders above ₹2,000.
Q5. What does it mean if both IgM and IgG are positive?
Both IgM and IgG positive in a currently febrile patient strongly indicates secondary dengue — a repeat infection with a different dengue serotype. Secondary dengue has a significantly higher risk of Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever and Dengue Shock Syndrome. Patients with both IgM and IgG positive require close monitoring of platelet count and hematocrit and may need hospital admission.
Q6. What does IgG positive alone mean?
IgG positive with IgM negative in a person without current fever typically indicates a past resolved dengue infection. The person has immunity to that specific dengue serotype. IgG can persist for years after recovery. If the person has current fever with IgG positive but IgM negative, this may indicate very early secondary dengue — an NS1 test should be added to the investigation.
Q7. Can I have dengue if both IgM and IgG are negative?
Yes. If both IgM and IgG are negative in the first 3–4 days of fever, it may simply be too early for antibodies to develop. Order the Dengue NS1 antigen test instead. If all tests are negative but dengue is strongly suspected clinically, repeat testing after 48 hours or continue monitoring with daily CBC platelet counts and consult your doctor for further investigation.
Q8. Is home collection available for Dengue IgG & IgM test in Kolkata?
Yes. Apollo Diagnostics provides priority home blood sample collection for Dengue IgG & IgM tests across Dum Dum, South Dum Dum, Nagerbazar, Satgachi, Baguiati, Lake Town, Bangur, Kaikhali, Sealdah, Entally, Phoolbagan, Tangra and surrounding areas. Book by calling or WhatsApping +91 8660434628.
Q9. How long does it take to get Dengue IgG & IgM test results?
Dengue IgG & IgM test results are typically available the same day. Reports are delivered digitally to your WhatsApp or email for immediate sharing with your doctor.
Q10. Which centre processes my Dengue IgG & IgM sample in Kolkata?
All samples collected across North and Central Kolkata are processed at Apollo Diagnostics Nagerbazar — Nandarani Apartment, 8A Narasingha Avenue, Nagerbazar, Dum Dum, Kolkata 700074. Our lab is NABL-certified and ISO-certified, using ELISA technology for dengue antibody testing.

No comments:

Post a Comment

Cortisol Blood Test: Purpose, Preparation, and Normal Range Explained

Health & Diagnostics | Apollo Diagnostic Kolkata Cortisol Blood Test: What It Measures, Why It's Done, and How to Prepare ...