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

The Widal test is one of the blood tests used to help diagnose typhoid/paratyphoid fever, collectively known as enteric fever. Typhoid fever is caused by bacteria such as Salmonella Typhi or Salmonella Paratyphi. This fever is communicable and spreads through contaminated food or water.

The Widal test is performed as a routine blood test, with no fasting required. It measures antibody levels produced in response to typhoid/paratyphoid-causing bacteria. The Widal test (slide method) is now available at PharmEasy with home sample collection across major cities.

The Widal test is recommended if you have certain symptoms or are at higher risk of developing enteric fever. Typhoid and paratyphoid fever are similar, with paratyphoid fever generally being the milder one.

The signs and symptoms of typhoid/paratyphoid fever include:

• Persistent high fever
• Headaches
• Tiredness or fatigue
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhoea or constipation
• Body aches
• Rose-coloured rash on the chest or abdomen
• Weight loss

The following severe symptoms may occur if treatment is inadequate or the condition is left untreated:

• Intestinal perforation or internal bleeding.
• Meningitis (inflammation of protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord).
• Sepsis (a life-threatening condition caused by an extreme response to bacterial infection).

The indications for getting the Widal test are as follows:

• Presence of symptoms- If you notice symptoms such as persistent high fever, abdominal discomfort, or rose spots on the body, get the Widal test done to check for enteric fever.
• Environmental conditions- In areas with poor sanitation or contaminated water supplies, people are at higher risk of enteric fever. Therefore, the Widal test is important for screening of people residing in such areas.
• Exposure to infection or contamination- 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 the sample collection:

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

What to Expect After the Test

• This blood sample collection procedure is usually safe, with minimal to no 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 made against Salmonella Typhi and Paratyphi bacteria in the body.
• This test detects antibody formation in response to specific bacterial antigens, named as S. Typhi (TO, TH) and S. Paratyphi (AH, BH).
• The parameter values are represented in titres.

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 measures antibody titres, but does not confirm an active typhoid infection. Refer to the table below for more details:

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 is a non-definitive test known to produce false results. The test results can be influenced by various factors, such as:

• Timing of the test - Early testing for infection can lead to false-negative results, as antibody titres do not rise much in the initial stages.
• Endemic areas - Baseline antibody titre levels are high in endemic areas such as India.
• Vaccination - Previous vaccination can give a false-positive result.
• Past infection - Antibody titres can stay elevated for months after infection, giving false-positive results.
• Other medical conditions - The presence of malaria or dengue can sometimes cause false-positive results.
• Use of antibiotics - Prior use of antibiotics can give false-negative results.

In Delhi, a Widal test through PharmEasy is typically priced at around INR 199. The final cost may vary depending on the lab partner and service coverage. For a broader comparison, you can explore Widal test prices across major cities in India.

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

• Dwarka
• Vasant Kunj
• Saket
• Chhattarpur
• Greater Kailash
• Lajpat Nagar
• South Extension
• East of Kailash
• Green Park
• Janakpuri
• Rajouri Garden
• Paschim Vihar
• Punjabi Bagh
• Rohini
• Pitampura
• Preet Vihar
• Mayur Vihar
• Karol Bagh
• Connaught Place
• Civil Lines

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