Rotavirus Antigen - Stool – BC274
Gastrointestinal Infection TestReport: Next day Evening (Except Sunday)
Sample Type: Stool
Test Code: BC274
The Rotavirus Antigen - Stool test is a rapid and highly accurate diagnostic test that directly detects the presence of Rotavirus in a stool sample. Rotavirus is the leading cause of severe, dehydrating gastroenteritis (diarrhea and vomiting) in infants and young children worldwide.
✔ The definitive test for diagnosing an active Rotavirus infection.
✔ Provides a quick diagnosis, enabling prompt supportive care to prevent dehydration.
✔ Differentiates Rotavirus from other bacterial or parasitic causes of diarrhea.
✔ A simple, non-invasive stool test.
Rotavirus: A Major Cause of Childhood Diarrhea
Rotavirus is a highly contagious virus that infects the lining of the intestines. It is most common in infants and children under the age of five. The symptoms typically begin with fever and vomiting, followed by several days of profuse, watery diarrhea. The main danger of a Rotavirus infection is not the virus itself, but the severe dehydration that can result from the massive fluid loss. This makes a rapid and accurate diagnosis crucial for proper management.
Why a Stool Antigen Test?
This test works by detecting specific proteins (antigens) from the surface of the Rotavirus in the stool. This is a direct detection method, which offers several key advantages:
- High Accuracy: A positive result is definitive proof that the virus is currently active in the gut and is the cause of the diarrhea.
- Speed: Modern antigen tests are rapid, allowing for a quick diagnosis. This is critical in young children where dehydration can progress quickly.
- Non-Invasive: The test only requires a small stool sample, making it painless and easy to perform, especially for infants and children.
By confirming a viral cause like Rotavirus, this test helps doctors avoid the unnecessary prescription of antibiotics, which are ineffective against viruses, and focus on the most important treatment: supportive care and rehydration.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Rotavirus is a very common and contagious virus that causes gastroenteritis. Its main symptoms are severe watery diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and abdominal pain. It is a leading cause of severe diarrhea in infants and young children.
If your child is experiencing severe diarrhea and vomiting, your doctor will order this test to quickly determine if Rotavirus is the cause. A fast diagnosis helps in managing the illness properly and focusing on preventing dehydration.
A positive result means that the Rotavirus is present in the stool and is the cause of the gastroenteritis symptoms. The treatment will then focus on supportive care, mainly fluid and electrolyte replacement.
No, there are no specific antiviral drugs to treat Rotavirus. Antibiotics are not effective. The treatment is supportive, focusing on preventing and managing dehydration through oral rehydration solutions (ORS) or, in severe cases, intravenous (IV) fluids.
A small amount of stool should be collected in a clean, sterile, leak-proof container provided by the lab. For infants in diapers, a sample can be collected by placing a plastic wrap inside the diaper to prevent the stool from being absorbed.