Fever Panel – Comprehensive

The "Fever Panel Comprehensive" test is a broad set of investigations aimed at identifying causes of fever, particularly infectious and inflammatory conditions. Here's a breakdown of each component and what it generally indicates:

Components of Fever Panel Comprehensive:

• CBC (Complete Blood Count)

• • Measures different blood cells (RBCs, WBCs, Platelets).
  • Helps detect infections (elevated WBCs), anemia, or platelet disorders.
  • Can indicate if the cause of fever is bacterial or viral (e.g., neutrophilia vs. lymphocytosis).

• ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate)

• • A nonspecific marker of inflammation.
  • Elevated ESR suggests ongoing inflammation or infection.

• CRP (C-Reactive Protein)

• Another marker of inflammation.
• Rises quickly in response to acute inflammation or infection.
• More sensitive and faster than ESR.

• Malarial Parasite

• Microscopic or rapid test for detecting malaria parasites in blood.
• Important in endemic areas or patients with travel history.

• Widal Test

• Serological test for typhoid fever.
• Detects antibodies against Salmonella typhi and paratyphi.
• Helps diagnose typhoid/paratyphoid infections.

• Urinalysis

• Examination of urine to detect urinary tract infections or other renal causes of fever.
• Includes assessment of color, clarity, specific gravity, presence of WBCs, RBCs, protein, glucose, etc.

• Dengue NS1 Antigen

• Detects dengue virus antigen early in infection (usually first 5 days).
• Useful for early diagnosis of dengue fever.

• Dengue IgG & IgM Antibodies

• • IgM indicates recent or current dengue infection.
  • IgG indicates past exposure or secondary infection

Purpose of the Panel:

1. To cover common infectious causes of fever, especially in tropical regions or areas with endemic diseases.
2. Helps distinguish between bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections.
3. Guides appropriate treatment decisions and further investigations.

 

Who Should Consider This Test?

1. Patients with unexplained fever
2. Patients with symptoms suggestive of infectious diseases such as:
   • High fever with chills
   • Body aches
   • Headache
   • Fatigue
   • Gastrointestinal symptoms (like diarrhea or abdominal pain)
   • Signs of urinary tract infection (burning urination, frequency)
3. Individuals with signs of systemic inflammation or infection but unclear origin — e.g., elevated temperature with malaise but no clear focus on examination.
4. Patients with a history of exposure or risk factors for malaria, dengue, or typhoid, such as:
   • Recent travel
   • Contact with infected individuals
   • Living in endemic regions