Rotavirus Antigen Detection, Stool Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About Rotavirus Antigen Detection, Stool Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Rotavirus Ag, Rotavirus Antigen Test, Stool Rotavirus Antigen Test, Rotavirus EIA, Rota Virus Antigen Detection |
| Sample Type | Stool (fresh, unpreserved faeces) |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 1 to 3 days |
| Recommended For | All ages; primarily infants and young children (3 months to 5 years), elderly individuals, and those with weakened immunity |
| Price | Starting at ₹1,550 |
What is a Rotavirus Antigen Detection, Stool Test?
The Rotavirus Antigen Detection Stool Test is a laboratory test that checks a stool sample for the presence of rotavirus, a virus that inflames the stomach and intestines. Doctors typically prescribe it when a patient, particularly a young child, presents with sudden watery diarrhoea and vomiting. Also called the Rotavirus Ag or Rotavirus EIA, this test identifies specific viral proteins in the stool to confirm or rule out a rotavirus infection.
What Does a Rotavirus Antigen Detection, Stool Test Measure?
The Stool Rotavirus Antigen Test is qualitative. This means it reports whether rotavirus is present or absent in the stool sample; it does not measure how much virus is present. The test uses laboratory-made proteins (monoclonal antibodies) to detect a structural protein called VP6, which is unique to rotavirus. The following table summarises what the test looks for:
| Parameter | What It Detects |
|---|---|
| Rotavirus Antigen | Viral proteins from rotavirus in the stool sample |
A result is reported simply as "detected" (positive) or "not detected" (negative).
Why is a Rotavirus Antigen Detection, Stool Test Done?
Rotavirus is one of the most common causes of severe diarrhoea in infants and young children worldwide. A doctor may request this test to find out whether rotavirus is responsible for a patient's digestive symptoms.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
The following symptoms are among the most common reasons a doctor may ask for a Rotavirus Antigen Test:
- Watery diarrhoea lasting three to eight days
- Frequent vomiting and nausea
- Fever
- Abdominal pain or cramping
- Loss of appetite
- Signs of dehydration, such as dry mouth or reduced urination
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
This test helps identify or rule out the following:
- Rotavirus gastroenteritis (infection causing inflammation of the stomach and intestines)
- Hospital-acquired diarrhoea outbreaks where rotavirus is suspected
- Acute gastroenteritis in infants, elderly individuals, or immunocompromised patients
- Rotavirus as a cause, separate from bacterial or parasitic infections
How to Prepare and What to Expect
No special preparation is needed for the Rotavirus EIA test, but following a few simple steps will help ensure a reliable sample.
Do You Need to Fast?
No, fasting is not required before this test. There are no dietary restrictions. However, the sample should be collected while diarrhoea is active, ideally within the first week of symptoms appearing.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Keep the following points in mind before collecting the stool sample:
- Collect the sample during the acute phase of illness, when diarrhoea is present
- Avoid contaminating the sample with urine or toilet water
- Use a clean, sterile, leak-proof container provided by the lab
- Do not use containers that contain preservatives, detergents, or animal serum, as these interfere with the test
- If you cannot take the sample to the lab immediately, store it in the refrigerator for up to one to two days
Step-by-Step Procedure
Here is what to expect during the sample collection process:
- Place a sheet of plastic wrap loosely across the toilet bowl, held in place by the seat, to catch the stool before it contacts water.
- For infants in nappies, line the inside of the nappy with plastic wrap, positioned to keep urine and stool separate.
- Transfer at least five to ten grams of the stool into the sterile collection container provided.
- Label the container clearly with the patient's name and the date and time of collection.
- Hand the sample to the home collection professional, or take it to your nearest Lupin Diagnostics centre as soon as possible.
- The sample is dispatched to a NABL-accredited laboratory for analysis, and results are typically ready the same day or within 24 hours.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Certain factors may affect how reliable the result is:
- Collecting the sample more than seven to eight days after symptoms began (viral levels drop significantly by then)
- Contamination of the sample with urine, water, or preservatives
- Improper storage or delays in transporting the sample
- Seasonal, geographic, or age-related variation in rotavirus activity
- Recent rotavirus vaccination in infants can cause the vaccine strain to appear in stool
Understanding Your Rotavirus Antigen Detection, Stool Test Results
Your result will be either positive (detected) or negative (not detected). A doctor should always review the result alongside your symptoms and medical history before drawing any conclusions.
| Parameter | Result | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Rotavirus Antigen | Negative / Not Detected | No rotavirus found; symptoms may have another cause |
| Rotavirus Antigen | Positive / Detected | Active rotavirus infection is present |
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.
A negative result does not completely exclude rotavirus infection. If the sample was collected too late in the illness, or if the quantity of virus in the stool was very small, the result may be falsely negative. A positive result also does not rule out a co-existing bacterial or parasitic infection.
Results During Special Conditions
Certain groups are more likely to experience severe or prolonged illness.
- Premature infants, immunosuppressed individuals, and elderly people living in care homes may show more intense symptoms even with the same level of infection.
- Children and adults who have received a bone marrow or organ transplant may develop a severe, extended form of rotavirus gastroenteritis, and their results should be assessed with extra care by a specialist.
- Recent rotavirus vaccination in young infants may occasionally cause the vaccine strain to shed in the stool, which can lead to a positive test result in the absence of actual illness.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
The following general wellness habits can help reduce the risk of rotavirus infection:
- Ensure infants receive their rotavirus vaccination at the recommended ages (typically at two, four, and six months)
- Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after nappy changes, toilet use, and before handling food
- Stay well hydrated, especially during episodes of diarrhoea or vomiting, to reduce the risk of dehydration
Lupin Diagnostics Rotavirus Antigen Detection, Stool Test Price and Home Collection
The Stool Rotavirus Antigen Test starts at approximately ₹1,550, and home sample collection is available in major cities across India.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| Guwahati | ₹1,550 |
| Mumbai | ₹1,550 |
| Kolkata | ₹1,550 |
| Hyderabad | ₹1,550 |
| Bangalore | ₹1,550 |
| Chennai | ₹1,550 |
| Pune | ₹1,550 |
| Indore | ₹1,550 |
Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
Home Collection
Lupin Diagnostics offers home sample collection for the Rotavirus Ag test across cities in India, making it easier to get tested without leaving home, especially when a young child is unwell. All samples are processed in NABL-accredited laboratories by trained technologists. Digital reports are shared promptly via email or WhatsApp.
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 professional, or visit your nearest Lupin Diagnostics centre.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Rotavirus Antigen Detection Stool Test is a simple stool test used to find out whether a rotavirus infection is causing a patient's digestive symptoms. It works by detecting specific proteins (antigens) produced by the rotavirus in the stool. The result is reported as either detected or not detected.
This test is most commonly recommended for infants and young children between six months and two years of age who have acute watery diarrhoea and vomiting. It is also used for elderly individuals and those with weakened immune systems who develop symptoms of gastroenteritis.
The sample should be collected while diarrhoea is actively occurring, ideally within the first week of illness. Rotavirus antigen levels in stool are highest between days three and five after symptoms begin, and they drop significantly after seven to eight days.
The enzyme immunoassay method used in the Rotavirus EIA test has demonstrated sensitivity of 76 to 100% and specificity of 92 to 100% in studies. Accuracy is best when the sample is collected during the acute phase of illness and handled correctly.
Antibiotics are not effective against rotavirus because they target bacteria, not viruses. Management focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing dehydration. A doctor will advise on appropriate steps based on the patient's condition.
Symptoms generally begin suddenly and last for four to eight days in total. Vomiting usually settles within one to two days, while other digestive symptoms, such as diarrhoea, may continue for three to seven days.
Yes, oral rotavirus vaccines are available and are recommended for infants starting at two months of age. Vaccination has significantly reduced the rate of severe rotavirus illness. However, outbreaks can still occur, particularly among unvaccinated children.
Rotavirus Antigen Detection, Stool Test: Booking, Price, and Results
