Dengue NS1 Antigen Test (ELISA) in New Town, Kolkata
At Pure Bliss Healthcare Centre, Action Area 2, New Town.
What the Dengue NS1 Antigen Test (ELISA) measures
NS1 is a protein released into the blood by the dengue virus during the first days of infection. The NS1 antigen test detects it, so it is most useful in roughly the first five days of fever, before the body has made antibodies. After that, NS1 becomes less likely to be found and the dengue IgM antibody test becomes more useful; some doctors order both together. This test uses the ELISA method in the laboratory rather than a rapid card. A positive NS1 in someone with a fitting illness strongly supports dengue. A negative NS1 does not rule it out, especially later in the illness or in a repeat infection. A blood count with platelets does not diagnose dengue but is used to follow it day by day. Watch for warning signs, which often appear as the fever settles: severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, bleeding from the gums or nose, black stools, drowsiness or restlessness. These need hospital care straight away. Dengue cases rise in Kolkata during and after the monsoon.
Price: the Dengue NS1 Antigen Test (ELISA) costs ₹470 at Pure Bliss (MRP ₹588), with the sample collected at our Action Area 2, New Town centre or at your home.
Who this test is for
- Fever in the first five days with body ache, headache, pain behind the eyes or rash
- Fever during the monsoon and post-monsoon months
- A household member or neighbour with dengue and new fever
- Fever evaluation advised by a doctor, often with a CBC
How to prepare, the sample, and when to expect the report
Preparation
No fasting is needed. Tell us how many days you have had fever, as that decides whether NS1, IgM or both are more useful.
Reporting time
Within 24 hours.
Sample
Blood, from a vein in the arm (serum).
Reading the result
Ranges vary by lab; your report shows the lab's reference range next to each value. The result is reported as positive or negative (sometimes with an index value); your doctor reads it with the day of fever. Ask your doctor to interpret the result.
Centre or home collection NABL-accredited Redcliffe Labs collection centre Most routine reports within 24 hoursHow collection works →
Related Tests
Dengue NS1 Antigen Test (ELISA) — common questions
Booking, preparation and reporting for the Dengue NS1 Antigen Test (ELISA) at Action Area 2, New Town.
On which day of fever should I do the NS1 test?
It is most useful in the first five days of fever. From about day five onwards, the IgM antibody test is usually more helpful. Your doctor may order both.
My NS1 is negative but I still have fever. Could it be dengue?
Yes, it is possible. NS1 can be negative later in the illness or in a repeat infection. Your doctor may advise an IgM test or a repeat blood count, and you should keep watching for warning signs.
Do I need to fast for the dengue NS1 test?
No. Keep drinking fluids as your doctor advises. Home collection is available if you are too unwell to travel.