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

The Widal test is a widely diagnostic blood test used to help detect 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 done for the detection and screening of typhoid/paratyphoid fever. The following are the indications for the Widal test:

• Diagnosis of enteric fever- If you have symptoms like high fever for days or weeks, along with digestive issues like diarrhoea or constipation, and rose-spot rashes on the body, the Widal test is recommended to assess for typhoid or paratyphoid fever.
• Living in poor sanitation areas- Screening for typhoid is recommended in areas with poor sanitation or contaminated water supplies, as people are at higher risk.
• Exposure to infection- 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.

Typhoid and paratyphoid fever may present with similar signs and symptoms, with paratyphoid fever being the milder version of typhoid fever.

The following are the signs and symptoms of typhoid/paratyphoid fever:

• Persistent high fever
• Frequent headaches
• Fatigue or weakness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhoea or constipation
• Body aches
• Rose-coloured spots on the chest or abdomen
• Unexplained weight loss

If treatment is inadequate or the condition is left untreated, certain complications may occur:

• 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).

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.
3. 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 formed against Salmonella Typhi and Paratyphi bacteria.
• The antibody levels are measured in titres.
• Antibody titres rise significantly in response to specific antigens: TO, TH, AH, and BH, if active infection is present.

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. The 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 antibody titre levels may be associated with any of the following situations.

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 and does not provide an accurate diagnosis on its own. Several factors can affect the Widal test results and give false results, 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 Kolkata, a Widal test via PharmEasy is generally priced at approximately INR 199. The overall cost can vary depending on the lab partner and service coverage in the city. To make a more informed choice, you can review Widal test pricing across major cities in India.

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

• Salt Lake
• New Town
• Rajarhat
• Dum Dum
• Lake Town
• Baguiati
• Park Street
• Ballygunge
• Bhowanipore
• Alipore
• Behala
• Tollygunge
• Jadavpur
• Garia
• Kalighat
• Kasba
• Kankurgachi
• Ruby
• Sealdah
• Shyambazar

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