Widal Test (Tube Agglutination) near me in Bengaluru
Understanding Widal Test (Tube Agglutination) in Bengaluru
What is Widal Test (Tube Agglutination) in Bengaluru?
The Widal Test (Tube Agglutination) test is a blood test that helps diagnose typhoid and paratyphoid fever, collectively named enteric fever. It helps evaluate the level of antibodies produced by the body in response to Salmonella typhi/paratyphi, the bacteria causing typhoid (enteric fever). Available at an affordable price with Tata 1mg labs in Bengaluru, this test can confirm or rule out whether or not an individual has been infected with the bacteria that causes typhoid fever.
This test detects antibodies produced by the body in response to Salmonella typhi antigens - O (somatic) and H (flagellar). This test involves mixing the patient’s blood sample (containing antibodies) with the commercially available stained bacterial antigens and observing for agglutination (clumping) reactions, indicating the presence of specific antibodies.
It is suggested to perform this test in the second week of the illness since antibody levels against O and H antigens typically appear in the blood by then. For more reliable results, it is advisable to conduct the test with two blood samples taken 7 to 10 days apart.
What does Widal Test (Tube Agglutination) measure?
The Widal Test (Tube Agglutination) measures the levels of specific antibodies in the blood against antigens of the bacteria Salmonella typhi/paratyphi, the causative agents for enteric fever. This test detects agglutinating (clumping) antibodies against two types of antigens: the ‘O’ antigen (somatic) and the ‘H’ antigen (flagellar). A significant elevation in the levels of these antibodies (increased titres) suggests a current or recent infection with Salmonella typhi/paratyphi suggesting enteric fever.
The Widal Test (Tube Agglutination) test is useful for diagnosing typhoid fever in typhoid endemic areas, helping doctors tailor appropriate treatment plans.