Once these tests are conducted, it generally takes a few days for the results to be available.
Dengue rapid testing
Many rapid dengue tests detect a protein in the blood that is produced by the dengue virus.⁴ Other more sophisticated rapid tests can detect not only these proteins, but also IgM and IgG antibodies in human blood. Because these tests are based on advanced technology, the results show high levels of accuracy.⁵
The biggest benefit of a dengue rapid test is the speed at which results are available – in approximately 15-20 minutes – reducing time spent in hospitals or clinics.
As opposed to conventional diagnostic tests which usually require throat or nasal swabs, a dengue rapid test involves the drawing of blood. As such, the test can only be administered by a medically-trained staff. It is not a test that can be done at home.
If unwell during dengue season, getting tested is imperative
Getting tested for dengue is crucial if you or a loved one show any symptoms of dengue. A quick and accurate diagnosis using a dengue rapid test means that the next steps can be decided on faster by a healthcare professional, enabling more effective management of the infection. This is also useful in providing fast and accurate diagnosis in the event of dengue reinfection – proper management is essential in this case to prevent progression to severe dengue.⁴