Dengue profile (ELISA)
NS1 antigen with IgM and IgG together, so the result reads correctly whichever day of the fever it is taken
Also known as Dengue profile, Dengue panel, Dengue complete, Dengue Profile (NS1, IgM, IgG), Dengue rapid test
₹1,410/-₹1,700/-17% offFree collection on orders above ₹500/-
- Reports within
- 8 hours
- Parameters included
- 03see list
- Sample
- Blood
- Fasting
- Not needed
- Measures
- Dengue NS1 antigen, IgM antibody and IgG antibody
- Identifies
- Current dengue infection, recent infection, and past exposure or second infection
Collected at home
A trained phlebotomist visits at a time you pick, from the next hour
Sealed single-use kit
Opened in front of you, and carried to the lab under controlled conditions
Report within 8 hours
On WhatsApp and email, with any value outside the normal range highlighted
What is the Dengue profile test?
The dengue profile looks for three things in one blood sample: NS1, a protein the dengue virus sheds into the blood during the first days of illness, and two antibodies, IgM and IgG, that the body makes in response. Each is reported as positive or negative.
The three markers appear at different times, so they are tested together. NS1 is positive from the first day of fever up to day five, then fades. IgM appears from day four or five and marks a recent infection. IgG appears later and stays for years, so on its own it usually means a past infection or, with IgM, a second one. Testing all three means the result reads correctly whichever day of the fever the sample is taken. Second infections carry a higher risk of severe dengue, so the pattern matters.
No fasting is needed. The sample is collected at home and the report arrives in 8 hours. Most doctors ask for a CBC alongside, because the platelet count is what guides care.
Dengue profile parameters3 measured
Dengue NS1 antigen
Negative
A dengue virus protein detectable in the first days of fever, positive early in infection before antibodies have formed
Dengue IgM
Negative
The first antibody the body makes against dengue, appearing a few days into the illness and pointing to a recent or current infection
Dengue IgG
Negative
The longer-lasting antibody against dengue, appearing later and persisting for years, showing past exposure or a second infection
Reference ranges are the lab's defaults for adults and are printed on the report beside every value
How to prepare
- No fasting is needed.
- Note the day your fever started and tell the phlebotomist, as it changes how the result is read.
- Do not take aspirin, ibuprofen or other painkillers of that type for the fever; paracetamol is safer while dengue is possible.
- Drink plenty of fluids before and after the sample.
Who should take it
Anyone with a sudden high fever, especially between July and November, and especially with headache, pain behind the eyes, body ache, rash or vomiting. Anyone with fever who lives or works near someone with confirmed dengue, or near standing water. People who have had dengue before, since a second infection can be more severe. Children, older adults, pregnant women and people with diabetes or heart disease, who are at higher risk and should be tested on the first or second day of fever. Anyone whose platelet count on a CBC is falling.
Before the visit
Tell your doctor if you have had dengue before, have had a dengue vaccine, or have recently had chikungunya or another viral fever, as these can affect the antibody results. Severe stomach pain, repeated vomiting, bleeding, cold hands and feet, or extreme drowsiness need a hospital straight away, whatever the report says.
Why take the Dengue profile test?
- Sudden high fever: fever of 39 to 40 degrees with severe headache, pain behind the eyes and body ache during the monsoon is dengue until proven otherwise.
- Rash, nausea or joint pain: a fine rash, vomiting and intense joint or muscle pain alongside fever add to the suspicion.
- Cases nearby: if a family member, neighbour or colleague has had dengue and you develop fever, test early.
- Timing does not matter: NS1 covers the first days and the antibodies cover later ones, so it works from day one to day ten.
- Fever settling but feeling worse: stomach pain, persistent vomiting, bleeding gums or unusual drowsiness after the fever drops are warning signs that need urgent care, not just a test.
Questions about the Dengue profile test
What is the dengue profile used for?
It confirms whether a fever is dengue. NS1 detects the virus itself in the first days of illness, IgM shows a recent infection, and IgG shows past exposure or a second infection. Testing all three means the result reads correctly on any day of the fever.
Do I need to fast for a dengue test?
No fasting is needed. Keep drinking fluids, use only paracetamol for fever, and note which day the fever started, because the day changes how the result is read.
What sample is taken and how does home collection work?
A small blood sample from the arm. A trained phlebotomist visits your home with a sealed single-use kit, so you do not have to travel with a fever. Most doctors ask for a CBC from the same sample.
What does a normal dengue report look like?
All three markers, NS1 antigen, IgM and IgG, are reported as Negative. There is no number; each is simply positive or negative.
What does a positive NS1, IgM or IgG mean?
NS1 positive means the virus is present now, usually within the first five days. IgM positive means a recent infection, from day four onwards. IgG positive alone usually means a past infection; IgG with IgM or NS1 suggests a second infection, which carries a higher risk of severe dengue and needs closer watching.
Who should get tested and when?
Anyone with a sudden high fever, headache, pain behind the eyes, body ache or rash, especially from July to November. Test on the first or second day if you are pregnant, elderly, a child, or have diabetes or heart disease. Otherwise test whenever fever has lasted a day or two.
How long does the dengue report take?
The report reaches your WhatsApp and email in 8 hours from collection, which is fast enough for your doctor to act the same day.
Can the dengue test be negative even if I have dengue?
Yes, occasionally. NS1 fades after day five and IgM has not always appeared by then, so a sample around day four to six can miss both. If fever continues and the picture still looks like dengue, your doctor may repeat the test after two or three days and follow the platelet count meanwhile.
My fever has come down but I feel worse. Is that normal?
No, treat it as a warning. In severe dengue the dangerous phase begins as the fever settles, around day three to seven. Severe stomach pain, repeated vomiting, bleeding from the gums or nose, cold clammy skin, or unusual drowsiness need a hospital straight away, whatever the report says.
Commonly tested together
Often on the same prescription
₹400/-₹500/-20% off
What happens after you book
- A phlebotomist is assigned and reaches you in your chosen slot, as soon as the next hour
- The sample is collected with a sealed single-use kit and moved on a cold chain
- The report lands on WhatsApp and email within 8 hours