Dengue Fever Antibodies (IgG, IgM) ELISA: Booking, Price, and Results
About Dengue Fever Antibodies (IgG, IgM) ELISA: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Dengue Antibodies IgG/IgM ELISA, Dengue Serology, Dengue MAC-ELISA, Anti-Dengue IgG/IgM, Dengue Fever Virus Antibody Test |
| Sample Type | Venous blood (serum) |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | Same day to 24 hours |
| Recommended For | All ages and genders, especially those with fever symptoms in or near dengue-endemic areas |
| Price | Starting at ₹600 |
What Is a Dengue Fever Antibodies (IgG, IgM) ELISA?
The Dengue Fever Antibodies (IgG, IgM) ELISA is a blood test that detects antibodies your immune system produces in response to a dengue virus infection. It is one of the most commonly used methods to diagnose dengue fever. A small blood sample is drawn from a vein and tested in the laboratory using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), a method that identifies specific proteins in the blood. This test is also referred to as Dengue Serology or the Anti-Dengue IgG/IgM test.
What Does a Dengue Fever Antibodies (IgG, IgM) ELISA Measure?
This test looks for two distinct types of antibodies that the body makes at different stages of a dengue infection. Here is what each one indicates:
| Antibody | What It Detects | When It Appears |
|---|---|---|
| Dengue IgM (Immunoglobulin M) | Current or recent dengue infection | 3 to 7 days after infection; may persist up to 6 months |
| Dengue IgG (Immunoglobulin G) | Past exposure or secondary (repeat) infection | Usually detectable by 3 weeks after exposure; may persist for years |
Together, these two markers help a doctor determine whether you have an active infection, a past infection, or a repeat infection with a different dengue serotype (strain).
Why Is a Dengue Fever Antibodies (IgG, IgM) ELISA Done?
Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral illness common in tropical and subtropical regions of India. The Dengue Fever Antibodies (IgG, IgM) ELISA is ordered when a patient presents with symptoms that suggest dengue, particularly during or after the monsoon season.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
A doctor may recommend this test if you experience any of the following:
- Sudden high fever
- Severe headache
- Pain behind the eyes (retro-orbital pain)
- Muscle and joint pain
- Skin rash
- Nausea or vomiting
- Unusually low platelet count or white blood cell count detected in a routine blood test
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The Dengue IgG/IgM ELISA can help identify several infection states, including:
- Acute dengue fever (active current infection)
- Recent dengue infection (within the past 2 to 3 months)
- Past dengue exposure and immunity status
- Secondary dengue infection, where a person is re-infected with a different dengue serotype
How to Prepare and What to Expect
No special preparation is needed for this test. Here is what you should know before your appointment.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required before the Dengue Fever Antibodies (IgG, IgM) ELISA. You can eat and drink as usual before the test.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
A few simple steps will help make your appointment go smoothly:
- Drink enough water beforehand, as good hydration makes blood collection easier
- Inform your doctor about any medicines you are currently taking
- Tell your doctor or the phlebotomist (the trained person who draws blood) the exact date your symptoms began, as this affects how results are interpreted
- Wear a short-sleeved or loose-fitting top for easy access to your arm
Step-by-Step Procedure
The blood collection process is quick and straightforward. Here is what to expect:
- Arrive at the collection centre or wait for a trained phlebotomist to arrive at your home.
- The skin over a vein, usually on the inner side of your elbow, is cleaned with an antiseptic solution.
- An elastic band is tied around your upper arm to make the veins easier to see.
- A small needle is gently inserted into the vein, and a few millilitres of blood are drawn into a collection tube.
- The needle is removed, and a small cotton swab or bandage is placed on the site.
- The labelled sample is stored under cool conditions and sent to the NABL-accredited laboratory for analysis.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several factors can influence how reliable your test result is:
- Testing too early (before day 4 or 5 of symptoms) may produce a false-negative IgM result, as antibodies have not yet reached detectable levels
- Cross-reactivity with other flaviviruses, such as Zika, West Nile, or Japanese encephalitis, can produce false-positive results
- Recent blood transfusions or receipt of blood products may affect IgG results
- In secondary dengue infections, IgM levels can be lower, reducing the accuracy of IgM detection
- Poor storage or handling of the sample before it reaches the laboratory
Understanding Your Dengue Fever Antibodies (IgG, IgM) ELISA Results
Your results will show whether each antibody was detected (positive) or not detected (negative). Always review your results with a doctor, as the interpretation depends on when you were tested relative to your symptom onset.
| Parameter | Negative (Normal) | Positive |
|---|---|---|
| Dengue IgM | Below 1.65 Index Value — no current or recent infection | Above 1.65 Index Value — current or recent infection likely |
| Dengue IgG | Below 1.65 Index Value — no past exposure | Above 1.65 Index Value — past infection or secondary infection |
When both IgM and IgG are positive together, this usually points to an active dengue infection. A positive IgG with negative IgM typically suggests a past infection. If IgG levels rise fourfold or more on a repeat sample taken two to four weeks later, a recent infection is likely.
These ranges are general guidelines. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your age, health history, and other factors. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised medical advice.
Results During Special Conditions
Certain health conditions can affect how results are read:
Patients with malaria, leptospirosis, or a past dengue infection may occasionally produce false-positive results. Individuals who test positive for rheumatoid factor (a protein found in some autoimmune conditions) may also show misleading results in antibody assays. Your doctor will consider these possibilities when reviewing your report.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
Because dengue is a preventable infection, these general measures are widely recommended:
- Use mosquito repellents and wear full-sleeved clothing, especially during early morning and evening hours
- Remove sources of stagnant water around your home, such as uncovered containers, flowerpots, or blocked drains, where mosquitoes breed
- Seek prompt medical attention if you develop sudden fever and body aches, particularly during and after the monsoon season
Lupin Diagnostics Dengue Fever Antibodies (IgG, IgM) ELISA Price and Home Collection
The Dengue Fever Antibodies (IgG, IgM) ELISA is available at Lupin Diagnostics starting from ₹600, with home blood collection offered across cities. Approximate prices by city are shown below.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| Mumbai | ₹1100 |
| Bengaluru | ₹600 |
| Hyderabad | ₹1100 |
| Chennai | ₹1350 |
| Kolkata | ₹1700 |
| Pune | ₹1100 |
| Ahmednagar | ₹1100 |
Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
- Select the test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred time slot.
- Opt for home sample collection by a certified phlebotomist, or visit your nearest Lupin Diagnostics centre.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Home Collection
Lupin Diagnostics offers home collection for the Dengue IgG IgM ELISA across major cities in India. All samples are processed in NABL-accredited laboratories by experienced pathologists and technologists. Your digital report is delivered securely via email or WhatsApp, usually within the same day or within 24 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Dengue Fever Antibodies (IgG, IgM) ELISA gives the most reliable results when taken at least four days after symptoms begin. Before that, your body may not have produced enough antibodies to be detected. If your first result is negative but symptoms continue, your doctor may ask you to repeat the test.
IgM antibodies appear early in the infection, usually within 3 to 7 days, and point to a current or recent illness. IgG antibodies appear later and can indicate a past exposure or a secondary infection. Testing for both together gives a more complete picture of your infection status.
Yes. A positive IgG result with a negative IgM result usually means you were infected in the past and have developed some immunity. If IgG levels rise significantly on a repeat test, it may also signal a secondary dengue infection.
Yes, in some cases. Other flavivirus infections — such as Zika, West Nile, or Japanese encephalitis — can produce cross-reactive antibodies. Conditions like malaria, leptospirosis, or a previously treated dengue infection may also lead to a misleading positive. Your doctor will assess your full clinical picture before drawing any conclusions.
IgM antibodies typically remain detectable for 2 to 6 months after infection. IgG antibodies can persist in the blood for several years. This is why a positive IgG alone does not always mean a current infection.
No. The Dengue Antibodies IgG/IgM ELISA requires no fasting or dietary restrictions. Simply inform the phlebotomist of the date your symptoms started and mention any medicines you are taking.
It depends on how long you have had symptoms. The NS1 antigen test is most effective in the first 5 to 7 days of fever. After day 4 or 5, the IgM antibody test becomes the more reliable option. Your doctor can advise which test, or combination of tests, is right for your situation.
Dengue Fever Antibodies (IgG, IgM) ELISA: Booking, Price, and Results
