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

The Widal test is a widely used diagnostic blood test that helps support the diagnosis of typhoid and paratyphoid fever, collectively known as enteric fever. These illnesses are caused by consuming food or water contaminated with bacteria such as Salmonella Typhi or Salmonella Paratyphi. The Widal test is a simple and cost-effective test for supporting the diagnosis of enteric fever, particularly in developing countries. This test utilises the slide method to detect antibody levels in the blood produced in response to Salmonella bacteria.

The Widal test is used to support the diagnosis of typhoid or paratyphoid fever and to screen individuals at higher risk.

The following symptoms may be suggestive of typhoid fever and may indicate the need for a Widal test:

• 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

If left untreated, serious complications may include:

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

High-risk groups who should consider the Widal test include:

• Living in poor sanitation areas- In areas with poor sanitation or contaminated water supplies, people may have a higher risk of enteric fever. Testing for typhoid is important to identify possible outbreaks.
• Exposure Victims- Anyone who has consumed contaminated food or water or has come into contact with an infected person may need to be screened for typhoid.
• Travellers - Anyone travelling to or returning from areas with a high typhoid prevalence may require medical evaluation if they experience compatible symptoms of 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.
• The skin over the selected area is cleaned with an antiseptic.
• A needle is inserted into a vein in the inner arm to collect the blood sample.
• 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 antibodies against Salmonella Typhi and Salmonella Paratyphi bacteria. It works by detecting antibody formation in response to specific antigens, including S. Typhi (O, H) and S. Paratyphi (A, B). The presence of these antibodies may suggest current or past exposure to these bacteria.

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 not a definitive test, as many factors can influence the results. Your titre levels are interpreted along with clinical symptoms.

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 provides supportive information, but it may not be a reliable test for an accurate diagnosis on its own. Several factors can affect Widal test results and may cause false-positive or false-negative results. The factors that influence test results include:

• 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 Hyderabad, a Widal test booked via PharmEasy is commonly priced at about INR 199. The final charge can differ depending on the lab partner and service conditions. For a wider comparison, you can check Widal test prices across major cities in India.

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

• Gachibowli
• Somajiguda
• Madhapur
• Kondapur
• Kukatpally
• Miyapur
• Jubilee Hills
• Banjara Hills
• Ameerpet
• Begumpet
• Secunderabad
• Manikonda
• Nallagandla
• Chanda Nagar
• Himayatnagar
• Mehdipatnam
• Tolichowki
• Attapur
• Uppal
• LB Nagar

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