Dengue Test - IgM (Elisa)

The dengue IgM test is used to detect IgM antibodies against the dengue virus. The test is also known as the dengue virus antibody test.

Dengue fever is a viral illness transmitted through the bite of infected Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes and affects millions of people worldwide every year. It is characterised by sudden high fever, rash, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, muscle pain, and restlessness and may lead to severe complications such as excessive bleeding and shock. To fight the infection, your immune system (the body’s defence system against infections) makes proteins known as antibodies.

The dengue IgM test detects IgM antibodies against the dengue virus. It is used worldwide by doctors to effectively diagnose a recent dengue infection when interpreted along with symptoms and to guide appropriate management.

You may be advised to get the dengue IgM test if you are experiencing the following symptoms of dengue fever:

• Sudden high fever
• Rash
• Pain behind the eyes
• Headache
• Nausea and vomiting
• Joint, bone, and muscle pain
• Fatigue, restlessness, and irritability
• Bleeding from the nose and the gums

The test is also highly recommended for the following categories of people:

• Pregnant women – Pregnant women with dengue may be at higher risk of complications and, therefore, require careful monitoring during pregnancy.
• Travellers to endemic regions (areas where the disease occurs regularly) – Individuals who have travelled to South and Central America, the Caribbean, Asia, and the Middle East may be at increased risk of dengue infection.
• Infants – Infants with dengue are at high risk of complications such as dengue haemorrhagic fever and dengue shock, which may be fatal.

The dengue IgM test may support the diagnosis of dengue in individuals with dengue symptoms and complications, as follows:

• Dengue fever – This illness begins with a high fever followed by headache, pain behind the eyes, fatigue, nausea, and vomiting. It can become severe, leading to persistent vomiting, severe abdominal pain, and excessive bleeding.
• Dengue shock syndrome – This is a complication of dengue characterised by fluid leaks from blood vessels into surrounding tissues, leading to reduced blood volume and shock.
• Dengue haemorrhagic fever – This is a complication of dengue fever characterised by acute illness followed by excessive bleeding, irritability, and restlessness, and it may be a life-threatening condition.

What to Expect Before the Dengue-IgM Test

No fasting is required for a standalone Dengue-IgM test. You can eat and drink normally. However, if it is part of a broader package that includes fasting tests, your doctor may advise fasting for 8-12 hours. Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours before the test, as intense physical activity can temporarily raise Dengue-IgM levels and affect interpretation. Always inform your doctor about any ongoing medications.

What to Expect During the Blood Collection

A phlebotomist cleans the skin with an antiseptic, then places an elastic band around your upper arm to make the veins easier to access. A small needle is inserted into the vein; you may feel a brief pinch. Blood is collected into a labelled tube in under a minute.

What to Expect After the Dengue-IgM Test

A small cotton swab and bandage are placed over the site to stop any minor bleeding. You can return to normal activities immediately. Minor bruising is normal and disappears quickly. If dizzy, sit and rest for a few minutes.

In the dengue IgM test, the primary parameter being measured is:

• IgM antibodies against the dengue virus in a blood sample.

The normal range of the dengue IgM test parameters is indicated in the table below.

Note: The normal range may vary slightly depending on the laboratory and individual health conditions.

The table below provides a general interpretation of the dengue IgM test results based on whether the levels are low or high.

Note: A precise diagnosis should take into consideration the individual’s history, symptoms, and other laboratory test results.

Like any other medical test, this test also has certain risks and limitations.

Risks:

The dengue IgM test is generally safe and involves minimal risk. You may experience slight pain when the needle is inserted or mild bruising afterwards, which usually resolves spontaneously.

Limitations:

• A positive test result does not necessarily mean that you have a dengue infection. This is because the test can sometimes react with antibodies produced against other, related viruses.
• If the test is done too soon after symptoms are experienced, enough IgM antibodies may not yet have developed.
• In secondary dengue infections, IgM responses may be reduced or absent, so a negative IgM result does not completely exclude dengue.

Depending on your symptoms and results, your doctor might recommend certain additional tests to better understand your condition:

• Zika virus test
• Chikungunya virus test
• Malaria test
• Dengue PCR test
• Complete blood count (CBC)
• Liver function tests
• Lactate test
• Procalcitonin test
• Factor VIII activity blood test
• Prothrombin time (PT) blood test
• Partial thromboplastin time (PTT) blood test