Mumps Antigen
Also known as Mumps Antigen Pcr BloodWhat is this test?
Mumps Antigen PCR Blood Test is used to detect the presence of mumps viral antigen in the blood. This test helps to determine whether a person has mumps infection or not.
What is Mumps infection?
Mumps is an infection caused by a virus that affects the glands producing saliva called salivary glands, located near the ears. It is more common in children than compared to adults. This infection can spread from one person to another through contact with an infected individual or by airborne droplets. Signs and symptoms of mumps usually develop about two to three weeks after exposure to the virus. The main sign of mumps is swollen salivary glands which cause a puffy cheek. Other signs and symptoms are fever, headache, muscle ache, weakness, pain while chewing or swallowing, loss of appetite, pain on both sides of the face, etc. Mumps is usually self-limiting and resolves within several days. Complications of mumps include meningitis (a brain infection) and deafness but are very rare to occur.
Mumps is usually diagnosed by checking the presence of the virus or its genetic material (DNA or RNA) and also by the presence of antibodies in the blood that forms in response to infection. The virus attaches to the cell membrane of the host individual and injects the genetic material (DNA or RNA) to start an infection. The virus gets matured within the cell and is released by rupture of the cell. The new viruses start attacking other cells and then multiplies. There is no specific treatment for mumps, but the MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccine can prevent it. Taking a vaccination may prevent the disease.
Why this test is performed?
This test is performed to screen or diagnose the presence of mumps infection. Your doctor may ask to perform this test if he suspects a mumps infection or if you experience any signs and symptoms of mumps such as swollen salivary glands, fever, headache, muscle ache, weakness, pain while chewing or swallowing, loss of appetite, pain on both sides of the face, etc. You may be advised to perform this test if you come in contact with a person with mumps infection. It is an aid that helps in the diagnosis of mumps infection.
Test Preparation
Inform your doctor if you are on any medications, have any allergies or underlying medical conditions before your Mumps Antigen. Your doctor will give specific instructions depending on your condition on how to prepare for Mumps Antigen.
No specific preparation is required for this test. However, follow all the instructions given by your healthcare provider.
Understanding your test results
The test results may vary depending on gender, age, health conditions, and other factors.
If the test results are positive or show the presence of mumps viral antigen in the blood, this may indicate that you are likely to have a mumps infection.
If the test results are negative, it indicates that no mumps viral antigen is found in the blood. Therefore you are very unlikely to have a mumps infection.
Based on the test results, your doctor may advise appropriate medical treatments or further diagnostic tests.
| Gender | Age groups | Value |
| UNISEX | All age groups | The antigen is detected in positive cases |