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Widal Test For Typhoid Fever: Purpose, Preparation, and Results

Widal Test For Typhoid Fever: Purpose, Preparation, and Results

A Widal test is a diagnostic test that is used to detect typhoid fever and paratyphoid fever. This widal test identifies antibodies against 4 major strains of typhoid fever. 

A Widal test is a diagnostic test which is used to detect typhoid fever and paratyphoid fever. This widal test identifies antibodies against 4 major strains of typhoid fever. 

The widal is an important tool in diagnosing typhoid fever. Typhoid is caused by a bacteria - salmonella typhi. It is commonly referred to as enteric fever, which is a serious sickness. When you ingest food or drink tainted with faeces, this bacteria damages your digestive tract. 

The signs and symptoms of typhoid fever include fever, headache, diarrhoea or constipation, abdominal pain, weight loss, and red patches. In order to avoid more complications such as serious intestinal bleeding or perforation, it is imperative to diagnose and treat typhoid fever as soon as possible.

Tests for typhoid fever include bone marrow assays and stool cultures, among others. The Widal test is one such test that looks for antibodies your body produces to fight the salmonella bacteria that causes typhoid.

What is the Purpose of the Widal Test?

Purpose of the Widal Test

Typhoid fever is caused by an infection with Salmonella typhi, which can be detected by a blood test called the Widal test. It is employed to ascertain whether a person has had a prior case of typhoid illness or to assist in the diagnosis of a recent or ongoing infection.

Early on in the illness's course, symptoms and indicators include fever, nausea, and abdominal pain. Initially, the signs and symptoms resemble those of other illnesses. 

Common Symptoms as Typhoid Fever Progresses:

  • Fever exceeding 104 degrees is considered very high. 
  • Abdominal pain
  • Constipation
  • Headaches
  • Tiny red patches (rose-coloured spots) on the breast or over the abdomen 
  • weakness and loss of appetite 
  • Additional signs of typhoid fever, or Widal, include: 
  • body aches 
  • Stools with blood in them 
  • shivers 
  • extreme exhaustion 
  • Having trouble focusing 
  • Confusion and hallucination 

What Are the Preparations and Procedures of the Widal Test?

Preparations and Procedures of the Widal Test

The Widal blood test does not require any special preparation. Your doctor might, however, suggest that you abstain from taking specific drugs or foods right before the test. Notifying your healthcare provider about any medications you take or any underlying medical conditions that could influence the test results is also crucial. 

You can be diagnosed with typhoid or paratyphoid fever using the Widal blood test. A diagnosis is made based on the presence of antibodies in the blood that are created in reaction to bacterial infections. Four types of antibodies are identified by the test: anti-O, anti-H, anti-A, and anti-B. These antibodies are specific to the Salmonella bacterium and are not present in the blood of healthy individuals. 

What is the Widal Test Result Range?

The widal test range is more than or equal to 1:160 titre for antigen O and antigen H, then it indicates typhoid infection. 

The widal test is used to diagnose typhoid fever. If someone receives a positive result on a widal test,it means that person is infected with the widal test. 

If the widal test is negative then it means there is no infection and their symptoms may be due to any other reason so the patient may need to go for further evaluation.

 Methods of Widal Testing

Methods of Widal Testing

-Qualitative method

Why is Ganesh Diagnostic Centre Your Priority for the Widal Test?

Ganesh Diagnostic and imaging centre is your ideal choice for the Widal test. Every individual wants accurate blood test results with tension-free service. You can easily book your appointment via call or submitting an appointment request. Ganesh Diagnostic working on simplifying the care for our

For patients, we provide blood testing facilities at home as well as at diagnostic labs.

Ganesh Diagnostic Offers a Wide Range of Diagnostic Tests-

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Frequently Asked Questions Related to Widal Test

When is the Widal Test Recommended?

Widal test is a blood test that helps to detect typhoid fever. 

When to Get This Test Done

If you are having the following symptoms

  • High fever
  • Constipation
  • Reduced appetite
  • Sudden weight loss
  • Diarrhoea
  • Stomach ache
  • If typhoid is severe then intestinal bleeding can occur and it can be life threatening.

How Can I Protect Myself From Typhoid Fever?

Get vaccinated against typhoid bacteria

Avoid drink and food in unhygienic places

Can We Eat Before the Typhoid Test?

Preparations needed for widal / typhoid test (typhidot) test.

No Fasting and special preparation is required.

When is the Best Time to Widal Test for Typhoid?

Widal test gives accurate reports after 1 week of infection.

How Accurate is the Widal Test?

There are no universal standards that define the cutoff dilution of agglutinating antibodies to indicate a positive Widal test.