Chikungunya Igm Antibodies Rapid, Serum

Chikungunya IgM antibody Rapid test is used for the qualitative detection of IgM anti-chikungunya virus (CHIK)in human serum, plasma or whole blood. It is intended to be used as a screening test and as an aid in the diagnosis of infection with CHIK. This test provides only a preliminary test result. Therefore, reference test, ELISA, PCR must be used in order to obtain a confirmation of Chikungunya infection.

The sample required for this test is a blood sample. This sample is collected from a vein, usually in the arm and is collected in a syringe or vial. This is referred to as venepuncture.

 You may be asked to avoid eating or drinking for up to eight hours before the test is administered. Depending on what medications you take, your doctor will inform you whether or not you need to avoid them for some time before the test so that your results aren’t affected.

Your doctor will recommend this test for you if he sees the signs of chikungunya fever in you. The symptoms include:

• high fever
• Severe headache
• Rash on the skin
• Joint/muscle pain
• swelling around the joints

Chikungunya is a virus that is transmitted from one person to another by the bite of an infected female mosquito. After being bitten by an infected mosquito, symptoms of the illness are generally seen between 4 and 8 days later but could possibly be seen as early as 2 days or as late as 12 days after infection.

Chikungunya causes a rapid onset of fever and severe joint pain. Fatigue, muscular discomfort, headache, and rash are some of the other indications and symptoms. Chikungunya’s signs and symptoms often develop two to seven days after being bitten by an infected insect. There is no effective antiviral therapy for chikungunya. The illness, on the other hand, has a short duration and seldom leads to significant consequences, but the symptoms can be quite painful, and in severe cases, even disabling for the duration of the disease. With ample rest, fluids, and medicines, the goal of treatment is to alleviate symptoms.

The Chikungunya virus is easily transmitted and has the potential to grow into an epidemic if not contained. It is therefore essential that the virus is detected at an early stage as soon as possible and the necessary care taken to ensure that the virus does not spread and cause fatalities.

Symptoms of infection with this virus last for varied periods of time and could be more severe if not treated.

Interpretation:

If test results come back positive for the presence of the Chikungunya virus or antibodies, then treatment must be started for the symptoms exhibited.

If test results come back negative for the presence of the Chikungunya virus or antibodies, then further tests must be administered to diagnose the cause of the symptoms being experienced. If the test result is negative and clinical symptoms persist, additional follow-up testing using other clinical methods is recommended. Also, a negative results does not preclude the possibility of an infection of Chikungunya.

The variables that may affect your test results are your nutritional diet, lifestyle and any other existing medications you're currently on. Doctors should be informed if you're using any supplements or prescription medications before the test is administered.