Dengue RNA
Also known as Dengue Rna Pcr BloodWhat is this test?
Dengue RNA PCR blood test measures the viral load which is the amount of genetic material i.e RNA present in the blood. Detecting the dengue virus in the blood is of major importance for the clinical management of the dengue viral infection and clinical assessment. This test is the most reliable means for diagnosing dengue fever.
What is Dengue fever?
Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne disease transmitted by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. These mosquitoes bite during day time hence protection from mosquitoes at night by mosquito repellents and nets do not prevent dengue fever. They breed in fresh and clean water and also in tubes, drums, containers, old tires, and cans. It is mostly found in tropical and subtropical regions of over 100 countries. The incubation period of dengue virus is 4-10 days. There are three types of dengue fever:
- Dengue shock syndrome with low blood pressure.
- Dengue fever with no serious complications.
- Dengue hemorrhagic fever with bleeding problems or low platelet and plasma leakage.
Why this test is recommended?
This test may be recommended to you if you are suspected of dengue viral attack or if you develop a high fever within 2 weeks of visiting any new place where dengue is endemic or if an outbreak of dengue happened in your area. The symptoms include a sudden rise in body temperature, rapid breathing, bleeding gums or bleeding in other regions, severe abdominal pain, headache, pain behind eyes, increased tiredness, rashes, nausea, headache, joint pains, etc.
Test Preparation
Inform your doctor if you are on any medications, have any allergies or underlying medical conditions before your Dengue RNA. Your doctor will give specific instructions depending on your condition on how to prepare for Dengue RNA.
No specific preparation is required for this test.
Understanding your test results
If your test results show positive then the presence of the virus is confirmed and it indicates that you are infected with the dengue fever.
If your test results are negative then it means the virus is absent or it also means that you have too less amount of virus to detect. If test results show negative then dengue antibodies test may be recommended.
If you get abnormal test results consult your doctor immediately. Your doctor may recommend other tests depending on your results.
| Gender | Age groups | Value |
| MALE | All age groups | Dengue Viral Antigen is seen in positive cases |
| FEMALE | All age groups | Dengue Viral Antigen is seen in positive cases |