Widal Test (Slide Method) in Bengaluru - Price & Details

The Widal test is one of the blood tests used to diagnose typhoid and paratyphoid fever, collectively known as enteric fever. It is an endemic in developing countries and regions such as India, Bangladesh, Africa, and Pakistan. These illnesses are caused by Salmonella Typhi and Salmonella Paratyphi bacteria. It spreads through contaminated food or water.

The Widal test uses the slide method to measure the antibody levels (titres) formed in the body against Salmonella Typhi and Paratyphi bacteria. The test results are typically made available on the same day through PharmEasy.

The Widal test is a routine blood test used to diagnose or screen high-risk groups for typhoid and paratyphoid fever.

If you notice the following symptoms, Widal testing is recommended to check for typhoid/paratyphoid fever.

• High persistent fever (103- 104 degrees Fahrenheit) 
• Aches (headaches or body aches)
• Digestive disturbances (diarrhoea or constipation)
• Rose-coloured spots (on the chest or stomach)
• Throat infection (cough or sore throat)

Severe symptoms include:

• Intestinal bleeding - Blood in the stools may be observed in severe cases.
• Meningitis - Inflammation of protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
• Sepsis - A life-threatening condition caused by a hyper response to bacterial infection.

The high-risk groups who should consider the Widal test include:

• Living in rural areas - In rural areas, which lack adequate sanitation facilities, people are at higher risk. Screening for enteric fever (typhoid and paratyphoid fever) is important in such areas to identify possible outbreaks.
• Exposurevictims - Anyone who has consumed contaminated food or water or has come into contact with an infected person needs to be screened for typhoid.
• Travellers - Anyone travelling to or returning from areas with a high typhoid prevalence should be screened for typhoid fever.

What to Expect Before the Test

• No fasting is required for the Widal test.
• Always inform your doctor about medications or vaccination history before the test. 
• Consult your healthcare provider for any special instructions before the test.

What to Expect During the Sample Collection

A blood sample is required for the Widal test. You can expect the following during sample collection:

1. An elastic band is tied around your upper arm for better access to your veins.
2. A needle is inserted into a vein of the inner arm to collect the blood sample.
3. A bandage is placed over the puncture site to stop any minor bleeding.

What to Expect After the Test

• This blood sample collection procedure is usually safe, with no to minimal risk.
• Feeling dizzy for a few seconds is normal; sit and relax for a few minutes to recover.

Note: If you notice anything unusual at the puncture site, such as persistent bleeding, a rash, or pain, consult your healthcare provider.

• The Widal test measures the antibody levels (titres) in the body.
• The antibody levels are detected in response to four specific bacterial antigens, including S. Typhi (O, H) and S. Paratyphi (A, B). 
• To know more about the parameters, refer to the table below:

The Widal test measures antibody formation against specific antigens and is expressed in titres. Refer to the table below for more details:

Important note: The normal reference ranges may vary from lab to lab. Baseline antibody titre levels are high in people living in an endemic area. Always refer to the ranges in your report and consult your doctor for better interpretation.

The Widal test is a non-definitive test. The diagnosis should always be made under an expert’s guidance by correlating test results with clinical symptoms. The test results may be associated with the following:

Disclaimer: This table is for educational purposes and provides a risk assessment only. These findings do not confirm a diagnosis. The Widal test is known to produce false-positive and false-negative results in various clinical situations. Always consult your doctor to understand how these results relate to your symptoms and overall health.

The Widal test has certain limitations and may produce false results. Factors that influence the Widal test results include:

1. Timing of the test - During the first week of infection, antibody titres are low and hence give false negative results
2. Endemic areas - Baseline antibody titre levels are high in endemic areas such as India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Africa.
3. Vaccination - Previous vaccination can give a false-positive result, as antibody titres are high.
4. Past infection - Antibody titres can stay elevated for months after infection, giving false-positive results.
5. Other medical conditions - The presence of malaria or dengue can sometimes cause false-positive results.
6. Use of antibiotics - Prior use of antibiotics can give false-negative results.

In Bengaluru, a Widal test booked via PharmEasy typically costs around INR 199. The final amount can vary based on the diagnostic lab and service availability. To explore better options, you can compare Widal test prices across major cities in India.

You can book Widal Test in Bengaluru through PharmEasy with convenient home sample collection across several localities, including :

• Indiranagar
• Koramangala
• HSR Layout
• Whitefield
• Marathahalli
• Electronic City
• Jayanagar
• JP Nagar
• Banashankari
• BTM Layout
• Yelahanka
• Hebbal
• Malleshwaram
• Rajajinagar
• Basavanagudi
• Bellandur
• Mahadevapura 
• KR Puram 
• Kalyan Nagar 
• Richmond Town 

You can also check service availability during purchase by entering your pincode.