Widal Tube Test
Also known as Widal Tube Test BloodWhat is this test?
This test helps to diagnose enteric fever or typhoid fever caused by microorganisms like Salmonella typhi, Salmonella paratyphi A, B, C. In this test, the blood of an individual reacts with the Salmonella antigens in test tubes and forms agglutination (clumping) or not.
What are Antibodies?
Antibodies are the protective proteins produced by the immune system and also known as immunoglobulins. Antibodies are produced when any foreign substance or virus or bacteria enters into the body. These foreign substances are known as antigens. Antibodies recognize and attach to the antigens in order to remove them from the body.
Typhoid fever is a bacterial infection caused by Salmonella typhi and grows in the intestine and blood. During infection, patients body produce antibodies against Salmonella typhi O and H and Salmonella paratyphi AH and BH antigens.
Why this test is performed?
This test is performed to check the presence of Salmonella species antibodies in the blood. It also helps to diagnose enteric fever or typhoid fever caused by microorganisms like Salmonella typhi, Salmonella paratyphi A, B, C. The doctor may ask you to undergo this test if you are suffering from symptoms like fever, weakness, headache, loss of appetite, rose-colored spots, pain in abdomen, chills, nausea or vomiting, constipation, muscle weakness, skin rash etc. This test may be recommended for patients those who are undergoing treatment for typhoid or paratyphoid fever to assess the effectiveness of the treatment.
If you have been diagnosed with typhoid or paratyphoid fever, your doctor may advise you to get this test done once in every 2 weeks based on your clinical condition.
Precautions:
Some medications may change the test results and hence, you are advised to inform all your current medications to the doctor prior to the test.
Also known as Widal Serological Test Tube Test Blood, Widal Serological Test Tube Test.
Test Preparation
Inform your doctor if you are on any medications, have any allergies or underlying medical conditions before your Widal Tube Test. Your doctor will give specific instructions depending on your condition on how to prepare for Widal Tube Test.
There are no specific preparations required for this test.
Understanding your test results
If the test results are negative then there is no agglutination and may indicate that there is no infection caused by Salmonella species. In case the test results are positive, there is agglutination and may indicate that there may be a chance for infection caused by Salmonella species. If you receive abnormal test results, consult with your doctor immediately.
| Gender | Age groups | Value |
| OTHER | All age groups | Agglutination is seen in positive cases |