Typhi Dot - IgM : Salmonella typhi – ES155
🩸 Early Typhoid DetectionReport: Same Day
Sample Type: Blood (Serum)
Test Code: ES155
The Typhi Dot - IgM test is a rapid blood test that detects IgM antibodies against the Salmonella typhi bacterium. IgM antibodies are the immune system's "first responders", appearing early in an infection. Their presence is a strong indicator of a current and active case of Typhoid fever.
✔ Primary serological test for diagnosing an acute or early-stage Typhoid infection.
✔ Provides a rapid diagnosis, allowing for prompt initiation of antibiotic treatment.
✔ Often used when a blood culture is negative or when a quick result is needed.
✔ Fast and convenient blood test with same-day reporting.
Detecting Typhoid Early: The Power of IgM Antibodies
When you are suffering from a high, persistent fever, early and accurate diagnosis is key to a swift recovery. For Typhoid fever, the Typhi Dot IgM test is a vital tool for achieving this. It specifically looks for Immunoglobulin M (IgM), the very first type of antibody your body produces when it encounters a new infection like Salmonella typhi.
Think of IgM as the immune system's emergency alarm. These antibodies typically appear in the blood within the first week of symptoms, peak during the active phase of the illness, and then gradually decline over a few months. This specific timeline makes the detection of IgM a powerful indicator of a **current and active infection**.
What a Positive Typhi Dot IgM Result Strongly Suggests
Unlike the IgG antibody, which indicates past infection or immune memory, a positive Typhi Dot IgM result is much more immediate. It strongly suggests that the patient is currently battling an acute typhoid infection. This is critically important for several reasons:
- Confirmation of Diagnosis: It helps a doctor confirm that the patient's fever and other symptoms (like headache, fatigue, and abdominal pain) are indeed caused by Typhoid.
- Prompt Treatment: A rapid diagnosis allows for the immediate start of appropriate antibiotic therapy, which can shorten the duration of the illness and prevent serious complications like intestinal perforation.
- Differentiation: It helps differentiate Typhoid fever from other fever-causing illnesses with similar symptoms, such as Dengue or Malaria.
While a blood culture is considered the definitive "gold standard" in the first week of fever, it can take 2-3 days for a result. The Typhi Dot IgM test provides a valuable, rapid result on the same day, making it an indispensable tool for timely clinical decision-making.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
A positive result for IgM antibodies is a strong indicator of a current, active, and likely recent Typhoid fever infection. It means your body is in the primary stages of fighting off the Salmonella typhi bacterium.
IgM is the "early" antibody, appearing within the first week of an active infection. IgG is the "memory" antibody, appearing later and staying for a long time. IgM suggests a current illness, while IgG suggests a past infection or later stages of the disease.
IgM antibodies typically become detectable around the end of the first week of fever. Testing too early (in the first few days) might yield a false-negative result.
You should immediately consult your doctor with the report. A positive IgM result, combined with your clinical symptoms, will almost certainly lead your doctor to prescribe a course of antibiotics to treat the typhoid infection.
No, fasting is not required for the Typhi Dot - IgM test. You can give your blood sample at any time.