Description
Dengue fever IgG/IgM antibody tests can help confirm a dengue infection by detecting the presence of antibodies to the dengue virus in a patient's blood:
- IgM antibodies: Indicate an acute infection, as they are detectable 3–7 days after infection and can remain detectable for up to 6 months. However, IgM tests can also be positive if a patient has been infected with a similar virus, such as chikungunya.
- IgG antibodies: Indicate exposure to the dengue virus in the past, as they are usually produced 2–4 weeks after a primary infection.
Here are some things to know about dengue fever IgG/IgM antibody tests:
Test results: A positive IgM and IgG test result indicates a recent infection, while a negative result may mean the patient doesn't have dengue or the antibody level is too low to measure.
Fasting not required.
