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

The Widal test is a blood test used for the diagnosis of typhoid and paratyphoid fever, collectively known as enteric fever. Enteric fever is a bacterial infection caused by Salmonella Typhi and Salmonella Paratyphi bacteria. It spreads through food or water contaminated with human faeces.

The Widal test is of two types, the slide method and the tube method. The slide method is cost-effective and time-efficient. It is used as a supportive screening tool along with clinical symptoms or other tests to confirm the diagnosis.

The Widal test is recommended if you have certain symptoms or are at higher risk of typhoid and paratyphoid fever. The Widal test may be ordered in the following situations:

• Presence of symptoms - If you have symptoms such as high persistent fever, diarrhoea or constipation, weight loss, rose spots on the body, it may indicate typhoid/paratyphoid fever.
• Living in highly susceptible areas - People living in areas that lack adequate sanitation facilities or have contaminated water supplies are at higher risk of typhoid and paratyphoid fever.
• Exposure victims - Individuals who have consumed contaminated food or water or have come into contact with an infected person need to be screened for typhoid.
• Travellers - Anyone travelling to or returning from high typhoid prevalence areas should be screened for typhoid fever.

The Widal test is specifically designed to diagnose typhoid and paratyphoid fever. These two are clinically similar, with paratyphoid being the milder one with a fast recovery rate and fewer complications.

The following are the signs and symptoms of 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 may include:

• Intestinal bleeding - Blood in the stools can 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.

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 the 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 antibody levels, also called 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 cannot be used alone to confirm the diagnosis, as it has certain limitations and may produce false results. Several factors can influence the Widal test results, including:

1. Timing of the test - During the first week of infection, antibody titres are low and may 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 Chennai, a Widal test at PharmEasy is typically available at around INR 199. The price may vary depending on the diagnostic lab and service conditions. To get a clearer idea, you can compare Widal test costs across major cities in India.

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

• Anna Nagar
• T. Nagar
• Adyar
• Velachery
• Nungambakkam
• Mylapore
• Alwarpet
• Besant Nagar
• Tambaram
• Porur
• Guindy
• Saidapet
• Kodambakkam
• Ashok Nagar
• Kilpauk
• Perambur
• Thiruvanmiyur
• Sholinganallur
• Medavakkam
• Perungudi

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