Dengue Fever Test
Reviewed
A dengue fever test checks a blood sample for the dengue virus. It is used when you have symptoms of dengue fever and have been in an area where the virus is common. There are two main types: antibody tests (most accurate 4+ days after symptoms start) and molecular tests (PCR, can be done within the first 7 days).
Preparation and collection
You don't need any special preparations for a dengue fever test.
Understanding this test
Use the reference interval and units printed by the laboratory that performed the test. A result outside that interval is not a diagnosis by itself, and a result inside it does not rule out every condition. Your symptoms, history, medicines, timing, and related tests can change what the result means.
- 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.