Dengue tests
Explanation
Dengue tests look for evidence of dengue virus infection, usually in a blood sample. Some tests detect the virus's genetic material or a viral protein. Others detect antibodies, proteins the immune system makes in response to infection.
Why does the timing matter?
Tests for viral genetic material or a protein called NS1 are most useful early in the illness. Antibodies take time to develop, so antibody testing becomes more useful later. A clinician may combine methods or request another sample depending on when symptoms began.
A negative result does not always rule out dengue. Testing and any needed care should be guided by the illness and exposure history, without waiting for laboratory confirmation before starting appropriate care.
Does a positive antibody result prove a new infection?
Not always. IgM is a type of antibody that can suggest a recent infection. However, antibodies against related viruses can also react in a dengue antibody test. IgG is another antibody type; a positive IgG result on its own cannot confirm a new dengue infection. The test method, timing and other results help explain what a positive result means.
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