Monsoon brings fresh showers and respite from the scorching heat, but it also brings with it a host of illnesses. As our body takes time to adapt to shift in climate, thereby becoming vulnerable to monsoon maladies, which is why we need to be more vigilant. Diseases like malaria, dengue, typhoid, and other water-borne infections are prevalent and at times could be life-threatening. Therefore, a screening check-up like fever profile tests is essential in monsoon.
A fever profile test refers to a panel of blood works that are done to identify the root cause of persistent fever and other common symptoms. It mostly comprises blood and urine tests, which aim to diagnose and find out the underlying causes of health issues such as malaria, dengue, tuberculosis, typhoid, or urinary tract infections (UTI). Many symptoms of a headache, dizziness, chills, and sore eyes, along with fever are the signs that need a fever screening. The results help the doctor to recommend the most appropriate treatment and medication and action plans to avert the advancement of the disease.
Also Read: Fever: Types, Causes, Symptoms And Treatment
Purpose Of A Fever Panel Test?
The fever profile test serves several purposes, and it is used for diagnosing root causes for a continuous fever. It is a comprehensive screening for producing results related to any kind of ailment caused due to fever.
A person may need a fever panel test for the following reasons:
A fever test aids in detecting illnesses like malaria, dengue, or typhoid.
Early detection of any fever helps in prompt treatment and recovery.
If a person is suffering from chronic low-grade fever
If a person shows signs or symptoms of typhoid fever such as headache, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, muscle weakness, weight loss or skin rashes.
If a person exhibits symptoms of malaria-like fever with shaking chills, headaches.
Also Read: Viral Fever: 5 Incredible Natural Herbs To Combat Viral Fever
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When Do You Need To Get A Fever Panel Test Done?
A person should generally go for a fever profile test if he or she is experiencing the following symptoms for more than two days:
Severe body ache
Vomiting
Loss of appetite
Headache
How To Prepare For A Fever Panel Test?
There is no specific preparation that a person needs to follow before a fever profile test. However, inform your healthcare provider if you are taking any medicine currently or beforehand. Also, the doctor recommends overnight fasting for the test for at least 8-10 hours, but the patient can drink enough water to prevent dehydration.
What Are Tests Included?
A fever profile test may comprise more than one specific test. The list of blood works that are generally included in a fever panel:
Complete hemogram (CBC, ESR),
Dengue Antigen NS1, dengue IgG &IgM
Typhoid Dot IgM
Peripheral smear for malaria
Urine routine examination
SGPT
Aerobic Blood Culture
About 4 ml blood sample and 3 ml of blood serum are drawn out through the needle in the veins, and about 10 ml of spot urine is collected in a container.
Is there any Risk?
There is absolutely no risk or side effects of fever profile test.
What Does Result Mean?
As a fever profile test includes several tests, there is no single result that one can expect. Each test has different parameters to understand and evaluate the results. Some of the interpretations include:
The high neutrophil count is generally an indication of any bacterial infection.
High lymphocyte count may be due to viral infection.
Positive Widal test is confirmation of typhoid fever.
The presence of malarial parasite on peripheral smear denotes infection caused due to malaria.
The result of urine routine and microscopic analysis is an indication of whether fever is due to urinary tract infection (UTI) or not.Frequently Asked Questions
When Should I Go For A Fever Profile Test?
You should go for a fever panel test if you experience the following symptoms for more than two days:
Fever and chills accompanied by vomiting or diarrhoea and headache.
Can I Book A Fever Panel At Home?
Yes, the fever profile test is easy and hassle-free. You can book a slot as per the tests needed. A trained phlebotomist will come to your home to collect blood and urine samples for analysis. Also, your temperature would be monitored. The collected blood samples are taken to the lab for analysis and further reports will be sent via mail or WhatsApp. You can seek a doctor consultation if there is any concern in the reports.
What Is A Widal Blood Test?
This is a serological blood test used to analyse typhoid fever. A widal test is used to identify the presence of antibodies against the bacteria that is causing typhoid fever in the patient’s blood.
Do I Need To Test Urine Samples During Fever?
Yes, testing urine may offer more valuable data for diagnosis and treatment.