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

The Widal test is a simple diagnostic blood test used to help detect typhoid and paratyphoid fever, collectively known as enteric fever. The illnesses are caused by Salmonella Typhi and Salmonella Paratyphi bacteria. These are commonly found in the faeces and urine of the infected individuals and are associated with symptoms such as abdominal pain, constipation, or diarrhoea, and high fever that may last for days or weeks. The Widal test works by measuring the antibody levels formed in the body against Salmonella bacteria. It is done using a routine blood test procedure with no fasting requirement.

The Widal test is used as a screening tool for suspected individuals or communities at higher risk of typhoid and paratyphoid fever. The following are the indications for the Widal test:

• Presence of symptoms- Typhoid/paratyphoid fever is characterised by high persistent fever, diarrhoea or constipation, weight loss, rose spots on the body; hence, the Widal test is needed for screening.
• Highly prone communities- The Widal test is performed for screening of communities living in areas with poor sanitation or contaminated water supplies, as they are at higher risk of enteric 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 an area with high typhoid prevalence should be screened for typhoid fever.

• The Widal test is used for the detection of infections caused by S. Typhi and S. Paratyphi bacteria, referred to as typhoid and paratyphoid fever.
• These infections are clinically similar, with paratyphoid generally being the milder one with a faster recovery rate and fewer complications.
• These bacterial infections are endemic in developing countries such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and South Africa.
• They spread through contaminated food or water, with humans as the only carriers of this infection.

Signs and symptoms of typhoid/paratyphoid fever are:

• High persistent fever (103 - 104 degrees Fahrenheit)
• Headaches or body aches
• Diarrhoea or constipation
• Rose-coloured spots or rashes on the chest or stomach
• Sore throat
• Nausea or vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Severe symptoms include: Intestinal perforation/internal bleeding, meningitis, sepsis

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 expert ties an elastic band around your upper arm for better access to your veins.
• The puncture site is cleaned with an antiseptic, and the needle is inserted into a vein of the inner arm to collect the blood sample.
• A bandage or cotton swab 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 and usually goes away with little rest.
• You can revert to daily activities after the procedure.

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 (titres) in the body.
• The antibody levels are detected in response to four specific bacterial agglutinins (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 is a non-definitive test known to produce false results. The limitations of the Widal test are the following:

• Early infection - During the first week of infection, antibody titres are low and may give false-negative results.
• Endemic areas - Baseline antibody titre levels are high in endemic areas such as India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Africa.
• Vaccination - Antibody titres are high in vaccinated individuals, giving false Widal test results.
• 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 Nagpur, a Widal test through PharmEasy is typically offered at around INR 199. The price may vary depending on the lab partner and service accessibility. For a better comparison, you can explore Widal test pricing across major cities in India.

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

• Dharampeth
• Ramdaspeth
• Civil Lines
• Seminary Hills
• Sitabuldi
• Mahal
• Itwari
• Laxmi Nagar
• Panchsheel Nagar
• Parvati Nagar
• Khamla
• Manish Nagar
• Manewada
• Ganjipeth
• Vayusena Nagar
• Besa
• Sonegaon
• Bagadganj
• Jaripatka
• Mankapur

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