Widal Test For Typhoid Fever Diagnosis

The Widal test is one method that may be used to help make a presumptive diagnosis of enteric fever, also known as typhoid fever.

Widal Test

Here are the basic details for Widal Test.

*Price range may vary as per location, lab type, and procedure of lab test.

Widal Test Means

• The Widal Test is a serological test used to diagnose bacterial infections, particularly typhoid fever.
• It detects the presence of antibodies in the blood that are produced in response to the bacteria that cause typhoid fever.
• The test is based on the principle of agglutination, where the antibodies in the blood clump together with the bacteria in a visible reaction that can be detected in a laboratory.

Widal Test Purpose

• The Widal Test is a serological test used to diagnose typhoid fever, a bacterial infection caused by Salmonella typhi.
• The test detects the presence of antibodies in the blood that are produced in response to the bacteria that cause typhoid fever.
• The Widal Test can be used to confirm a suspected diagnosis of typhoid fever based on a patient's symptoms and other laboratory tests.
• The test is particularly useful in areas where typhoid fever is endemic and outbreaks occur frequently.
• The Widal Test can also be used for epidemiological purposes to track the spread of typhoid fever in a population and to guide public health interventions.

Widal Test Preparation

Here are some outlining the preparation needed for the Widal Test:

Before Test

• No special preparation is needed before the Widal Test.
• It is recommended to inform your healthcare provider about any medications or supplements you are taking, as they may affect the test results.

During Test

• A small amount of blood will be drawn from a vein in your arm for the Widal Test.
• The test is usually performed using a latex agglutination test, where a drop of blood is mixed with reagents and observed for agglutination.

After Test

• No special post-test care is needed after the Widal Test.
• It is recommended to follow any instructions given by your healthcare provider regarding the interpretation of the test results and any further testing or treatment needed.

Widal Test Procedure

Here are the steps involved in the Widal test procedure:

1. Collect blood sample from the patient using a sterile syringe and needle.
2. Allow the blood sample to clot at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
3. Centrifuge the clotted blood sample to separate serum from the cells.
4. Transfer the serum to a clean and labeled test tube.
5. Add a specific antigen of Salmonella typhi to the serum in the test tube and mix well.
6. Incubate the test tube at 37°C for 24 hours.
7. Observe the test tube for agglutination (clumping of bacteria) after 24 hours of incubation.
8. Repeat the process with different dilutions of serum to determine the titer (concentration) of antibodies present in the serum.

Widal Test Result

• A positive result for the Widal test indicates that the person has been exposed to the bacteria that cause typhoid fever, but it does not necessarily mean that they are currently infected.
• The Widal test measures the levels of antibodies in the blood, and a rising titer (the amount of dilution needed for the antibodies to become undetectable) can indicate a current or recent infection.
• A negative result for the Widal test suggests that the person has not been exposed to the bacteria that cause typhoid fever, or that it has been too soon after exposure for the antibodies to develop.

Widal Test Report

Widal Test Report PDF

Widal Test Normal Report

Widal Test Normal Report PDF

Widal test report format example sample template - Drlogy lab Report

Widal Test Abnormal (Positive) Report

Widal Test Abnormal (Positive) Report PDF

Abnormal (Positive) Widal Test Report

Widal Test Normal Range

Here's the Widal Test normal range.

Widal Test Interpretation

Here are interpretations for the widal test.

Widal Test Positive Means

Note: A single Widal test result cannot be used for diagnosis and should be interpreted along with the clinical symptoms and other laboratory tests.

Widal Test Negative Means

Here is the possible widal test negative value means in the below table.

Specimen Requirments For Widal Test

Here are the specimen requirements for Widal Test.

Widal Test is Safe?

• Widal Test is generally considered safe as it involves a blood draw, which is a common medical procedure.
• However, as with any medical test that involves needles, there is a small risk of bleeding, infection, or bruising at the site of the blood draw.
• It is important to follow all the pre-test preparation and post-test care instructions provided by the healthcare provider to minimize any risks associated with the test.

When Do You Get Widal Test Results?

• The results of the Widal test are usually available within 1 to 2 hours of after test is done.
• It may take longer if the sample needs to be sent to an external lab for testing.
• It is best to check with your healthcare provider for the exact timeframe for receiving your Widal test results.

Widal Test Limitation

Here are some possible limitations of the Widal Test.

• Cross-reactivity with other infections may lead to false positives.
• Test results may not accurately indicate the current infection.
• Limited specificity for diagnosing typhoid fever.
• Results may vary depending on the stage of infection.
• Antibiotic treatment before the test can affect results.

Widal Test Risk Factors

Here is the potential risk factor of the Widal Test.

• Previous immunization can affect test interpretation.
• Cross-reactivity with other infections can lead to false-positive results.
• Inaccurate results in the early stages of infection.
• Antibiotic use prior to the test can affect results.
• Variability in test sensitivity and specificity.

Doctor Recommendations After Widal Test Result

Here are Doctor recommendations or consult a specialist after Widal Test.

Widal Test Price

Here are the estimated Widal Test Price in India with different top cities:

*Prices are approximate and vary depending on a specific laboratory or healthcare facility.

Summary

Overall, Widal test used to detect the presence of antibodies against Salmonella typhi and Paratyphi in patients suspected of having typhoid fever. Also check Drlogy Test for detailed information about all medical tests for patients, doctors, scholers and medical students.

Reference

• Widal test - Wikipedia [1].
• Retrospective Audit of the Widal Test for Diagnosis of Typhoid Fever in Pediatric Patients in an Endemic Region - NIH [2].