A WIDAL test is a serological test that is used to diagnose enteric and typhoid fever and the cause of fever is the gram-negative bacteria known as Salmonella enterica which is found in the intestine of men, WIDAL test detects the presence of specific antibodies in the serum sample of patients suffering from typhoid.
How Widal Test is Measured?
A WIDAL test is done to analyze the titres of antibodies against the bacteria, typhoid is usually acquired when a person consumes contaminated food and water or by the faeces of an infected person the interval between exposure to an infection and the appearance of the first symptoms of enteric fever is six to thirty days, A WIDAL test measures the number of antibodies against the two antigen O and H of Salmonella enterica, It is advised to perform this test with two blood samples within the 7-10 days interval.
Symptoms of Typhoid Fever
- Headache
- Chills
- Muscle aches
- Abdominal pain
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea or Vomiting
- Diarrhea & Constipation.
- Cough
Symptoms in Children
Children can get affected easily due to their developing immune systems or due to bad hygiene of the children Some of the symptoms in Children are
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Stomach ache
- Loss of appetite
- Rashes
- Vomiting
Why is This Test Required?
Your health professional may suggest this test for the following reasons:
- To monitor the disease progression.
- To identify the effect of bacteria in our body
- To monitor the effects of bacteria that may affect our health.
Preparation Required for This Test
A blood test is required to measure the bacterial infection in your blood your doctor may advise you not to eat before the WIDAL test.
Procedure
- Firstly, a phlebotomist may tie a band around your upper arm to ensure the vein is visible.
- They will clean the site using a disinfectant to minimise the risk of catching infection.
- A sterile syringe will be inserted into the vein to draw the appropriate amount of blood for the testing
- After blood sample collection, they will withdraw the needle and seal the site using adhesive tape or a cotton ball
For Stool Test
The stool is collected and tested for the presence of bacteria if present.
Importance of Blood Sample Collection for Widal Test
Blood sample collection for WIDAL tests is one of the most convenient and easiest ways to test for many diseases related to blood Its Importance is:
- Bacterial infection can be diagnosed in the early phase
- Blood samples collected can be tested for multiple factors that are associated with blood infection.
- Assess how well our body is fighting the bacteria
How to Choose the Best Lab for the Widal Test
To choose the best diagnostic centre one must have to see the following parameters before going for a test.
- Reputation must see the reputation as well as the experience by checking the Google reviews and verifying with people who have been tested from that centre.
- Experienced staff the staff experience and how well they can handle their patient under pressure and assist them under different challenging conditions
- Availability and response- You can check the staff availability as well as the response time so that a patient gets tested and diagnosed for any disease early.
How to Choose the Best Pathology Lab for the Widal Test
The best pathology lab should provide the facility for blood sample collection WIDAL test is very essential as it helps in determining various health-related issues Ganesh Diagnostic the best pathology lab quickly collects and tests the sample with 100% accuracy for diagnosis and helps the patient to get early treatment so they can easily recover and get back normal to their Life.
Conclusion
WIDAL test helps millions of patients to get treated for typhoid disease that require immediate WIDAL tests for screening as well as a further diagnosis that helps in providing the best and right treatment to the patient to choose the best diagnostic centre as per your need and comfort that provides better facility and services to the patient.
