Dengue Fever Test

Why this test may be ordered

• You have symptoms of dengue fever (sudden high fever, nausea, vomiting, rash, eye pain, headache, joint/bone/muscle pain) and have recently traveled to an area where dengue is common.
• To confirm a dengue infection and guide symptom management.

Preparation and collection

You don't need any special preparations for a dengue fever test.

A health care professional will take a blood sample from a vein in your arm using a small needle. The process usually takes less than five minutes.

There is very little risk to having a blood test. You may have slight pain or bruising at the spot where the needle was put in, but most symptoms go away quickly.

Understanding results

Your test results will be interpreted by your healthcare provider. The meaning depends on the type of test performed and when it was done. Below are common result patterns.

• Molecular test (PCR) positive: The test found genetic material from the dengue virus in your blood sample. You most likely have a dengue infection. Limitation: A positive result is highly suggestive of infection, but your provider will consider your symptoms and travel history. Next step: Your provider will advise on symptom management, including rest, fluids, and acetaminophen for fever/pain. Avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen sodium. Watch for signs of severe dengue (abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, bleeding, restlessness) and seek immediate medical care if they occur.
• Molecular test (PCR) negative: The dengue virus was not found in your blood sample. You probably do not have dengue. Limitation: It is possible that there wasn't enough virus in your blood sample for the test to find, especially if the test was done more than 7 days after your symptoms began. Next step: Your provider will usually order an antibody test to confirm that you don't have dengue. If symptoms persist, other causes may be investigated.
• Antibody test positive: Antibodies for the dengue virus were found. You probably have a dengue infection. Limitation: The antibody test may have found antibodies that fight other similar viruses carried by mosquitoes (e.g., chikungunya, Zika). A positive result may need another test to confirm the exact virus. Next step: Your provider may order another type of blood test to confirm which viral infection you have. Meanwhile, manage symptoms as directed (rest, fluids, acetaminophen). Watch for severe dengue signs.
• Antibody test negative: Dengue antibodies were not found in your blood sample. Dengue may not be causing your symptoms. Limitation: A negative result could mean you were tested before your body had time to make enough antibodies. Antibody tests are most accurate 4 or more days after symptoms start. Next step: Your provider may order another antibody test later to check again. If symptoms continue, other causes will be considered.

• Molecular tests may be negative if done more than 7 days after symptoms begin.
• Antibody tests may be negative if done too early (before 4 days) or may cross-react with other mosquito-borne viruses.
• A single negative test does not completely rule out dengue; follow-up testing may be needed.

What to do next

If you have dengue fever, your provider will tell you how to treat your symptoms. In general, care includes getting plenty of rest, drinking lots of fluids, and taking acetaminophen to control fever and relieve pain. Do not take aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen sodium because they can increase the risk of bleeding. Watch carefully for symptoms of severe dengue (abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, bleeding, restlessness) and get medical help right away if they develop.

• What type of dengue test did I receive (molecular or antibody)?
• When were my symptoms first noticed?
• Do I need a follow-up test to confirm the result?
• What symptoms should I watch for that might indicate severe dengue?

Evidence source

U.S. National Library of Medicine: Dengue Fever Test