Typhoid, also called enteric fever, is a medical issue that is caused by the bacterium ‘Salmonella Typhi’ (S. Typhi). The main area in the body that is targeted is the small intestine i.e. the gut resulting in high fever and an upset stomach.
The Widal test is an essentially crucial diagnosis method, especially in typhoid fever. This test gives knowledge of the existence of such antibodies in the blood sample. It also helps in the early diagnosis followed by prevention and treatment in case of infections.
Here, we shall break down for you, the Widal test, what it is used for, how it is conducted, and how to interpret results based on the Widal test normal range.
What is a widal test used for?
The Widal test is a serological test conducted to diagnose typhoid fever. It tests for the two major antibodies, O (somatic) and H (flagellar), which the body produces when it is infected with Salmonella typhi. Any patient who complains of long-standing fever, abdominal pain, and headache should consult a doctor and get tested for the Widal test for typhoid to rule in or rule out typhoid fever. Salmonella enterica serotype typhi bacteria cause typhoid fever. The infection occurs due to the consumption of contaminated food and water with faecal matter. Widal test means to detect typhoid causing bacteria in the bloodstream of the patient through the agglutination biochemical test.
Often, people search for the full form of Widal. The fact is, Georges Ferdinand Widal developed the test, and so the name of the test is called the Widal test after him. A Widal test is used to investigate the presence of H and O serum agglutinins in the patient’s serum.
How is the Widal test for Typhoid performed?
Widal test procedure involves the serum agglutination test to detect typhoid fever. Patients who are suffering from enteric fever will carry homologous antibodies in the serum. The slide method and the tube method are the two types of Widal test procedures. If the serum reacts with the respective antigen, agglutination will happen. Widal test for typhoid is a rapid test diagnostic method, and results are ready on the same day.
What is the Widal test results range?
The interpretation of the Widal test reports needs careful study. Widal blood test is both qualitative and quantitative diagnostic analysis. A Widal test report is more commonly known as the typhoid test report. If the Widal test range is more than or equal to 1:160 titre for antigen O and antigen H, then it indicates typhoid infection. For the diagnosis of a Widal blood test, 1:20, 1:40, 1:60, 1:80, 1:160, and 1:200 titres need to be included in the diagnosis to obtain the typhoid test report.
What is the Widal test normal range chart?
When the test report lies in the Widal test normal range chart, then it is negative for the typhoid fever. If the titre value is less than or equal to 1:20, 1:40, 1:80, and less than 1:160 in the test report, then the typhoid test result lies in Widal test normal value.
What are the Widal test positive values?
Widal test positive values indicate that the person has the Salmonella enterica serovar typhi bacterial infection. In the typhoid report positive, both O and H antigen titres are present. S typhi O positive means active infection of typhoid fever. Active infection indicates the patient has an infection of Salmonella enterica serovar typhi. S typhi H positive means there is a past infection or it shows the result of the immunized person’s serum test report.
Also Read: Pneumonia Fever – Symptoms, Stages, Causes, Treatment, Vaccine
What is Widal test negative?
Widal test negative means that a person does not have enteric fever, and there is another infection causing the symptoms. The titre value of antigen O and H is below 1:160 in the sample.
Preparation for Widal Test
Preparation for the Widal test normal range is fairly minimal. As the test requires your blood sample, patients are hardly required to fast for the test. A patient, however, needs to inform the doctor about prior medication intake as some medicines will interfere with the process of antibody production and lead to incorrect results.
BONUS Information for Patients
- Early Treatment: Widal test allows early detection and treatment of typhoid fever even before it develops. Treatment can be started early after the test, and steps can be taken to manage the condition appropriately.
- Normal Range Interpretation: Knowledge of the normal range in the Widal test is helpful for results interpretation.
What is the price of the Widal test?
Widal test is an affordable test, and so is widely taken into consideration in the developing countries where endemic fevers are prevalent. The Widal test cost varies as per the location, testing centre, and other affecting criteria. In Agilus Diagnostics, the Widal test cost is INR 290. To get a Widal test lab near you, find the nearest Agilus centre, book for sample collection, and have your results ready on the same day. The more preferable suggestion is to book for the Widal test at home to make it more convenient for you.
Wrapping Up!
To be descriptive in a nutshell, the Widal test for typhoid is one of the main diagnostic tools for typhoid fever and is of great use in regions where typhoid is rampant. However, the Widal test for typhoid at Agilus Diagnostics is economical and the process involved in the test is easier with our home sample collection. The patients should seek a doctor’s advice for its interpretation. This test can aid in early detection and thereafter you can take preventive measures & medications by consulting a doctor.
