Widal Test (Typhoid) in New Town, Kolkata
At Pure Bliss Healthcare Centre, Action Area 2, New Town.
What the Widal Test (Typhoid) measures
The Widal test looks for antibodies against the bacteria that cause typhoid and paratyphoid fever (Salmonella Typhi and Paratyphi). Patient serum is mixed with prepared bacterial antigens on a slide, and clumping shows that antibodies are present; the result is reported as a titre, the highest dilution that still reacts. Antibodies usually take about a week to appear, so the test is of little use in the first few days of fever. It also has well-known limitations. People in areas where typhoid is common, including Kolkata, may carry antibodies from past infections, and earlier typhoid vaccination and some other infections can cause positive reactions. A single positive Widal is therefore weak evidence on its own; a clear rise in titre between two samples taken a week or so apart is more meaningful. In the first week of fever, a blood culture, taken before antibiotics, is the more definitive test. Doctors read the Widal together with your symptoms, the duration of fever and other results.
Price: the Widal Test (Typhoid) costs ₹180 at Pure Bliss (MRP ₹225), with the sample collected at our Action Area 2, New Town centre or at your home.
Who this test is for
- Fever lasting about a week or more where typhoid is suspected
- Part of a fever panel ordered by a doctor
- A repeat sample to look for a rising titre
- Fever with abdominal discomfort, headache and loss of appetite
How to prepare, the sample, and when to expect the report
Preparation
No fasting is needed. Tell us about any antibiotics you have already taken and any typhoid vaccination, as both affect how the result is read.
Reporting time
Same day for morning samples; otherwise 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. Results are reported as titres (for example 1:80 or 1:160); the cut-off considered significant differs between regions and laboratories. 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 →
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Widal Test (Typhoid) — common questions
Booking, preparation and reporting for the Widal Test (Typhoid) at Action Area 2, New Town.
When should the Widal test be done?
Usually after the first week of fever, when antibodies have had time to form. Earlier in the illness, a blood culture is more useful.
Does a positive Widal mean I have typhoid?
Not on its own. Past infection, vaccination and other illnesses can give positive reactions. Your doctor will look at the titre, your symptoms and sometimes a repeat test or blood culture.
Widal, Typhidot or blood culture: which is right?
Each has a role. Blood culture is the most definitive, especially in the first week; Widal and Typhidot are antibody tests with their own limitations. Book the one your doctor has advised.