Typhidot Test: Cost, Procedure, Results & Normal Range

The Typhidot test is a rapid, reliable, and non-culture-based blood test used to detect typhoid fever, a bacterial infection caused by Salmonella typhi. Typhoid is common in areas with poor sanitation and can lead to serious complications if left untreated. This test works by identifying specific antibodies, IgM and IgG, produced by the immune system in response to typhoid infection. Unlike traditional methods such as the Widal test or blood culture, the Typhidot test provides quicker results and can detect early-stage infections. It is widely used in hospitals and diagnostic laboratories, especially in endemic regions such as India.

Purpose of the Typhidot Test

The primary purpose of the Typhidot test is to diagnose typhoid fever efficiently by identifying the body's immune response to the infection.

Here's what the test is used for:

Early Diagnosis: Detects antibodies even in the first week of infection, allowing for timely treatment.
Stage Identification: Differentiates between current infection (IgM) and past exposure or recovery (IgG).
Helps in Outbreak Situations: Useful in quickly screening many patients during typhoid outbreaks.
Alternative to Culture Tests: Offers a faster, non-culture-based alternative to blood cultures.
Monitoring Immune Response: Tracks antibody levels as treatment progresses to assess recovery and progress.

Why is the Typhidot Test Important?

Timely detection and treatment of typhoid can prevent serious health complications. The Typhidot test is vital because:

Quick Results: Provides findings within a few hours, speeding up treatment decisions.
Minimally Invasive: Only requires a small blood sample.
Cost-Effective: Less expensive and more accessible than blood cultures or PCR tests.
Detects Early Immune Response: Especially useful when traditional cultures may fail due to prior antibiotic use.
Ideal for Developing Regions: Offers a practical option where lab resources are limited.

When is the Typhidot Test Recommended?

Doctors recommend this test when a patient exhibits signs of typhoid fever or has been exposed to someone who is infected. Common indications include:

Persistent fever for more than 3-5 days
Headache and body aches without other identifiable causes
Abdominal discomfort or constipation
Loss of appetite and fatigue
Suspected typhoid outbreak in the area
Inconclusive results from the Widal test or other screenings
Suspected relapse after incomplete treatment

How Does the Typhidot Test Work?

The Typhidot test checks for antibodies your body makes when infected with Salmonella typhi, the bacteria that cause typhoid fever. It helps detect the infection early by identifying your immune response.

IgM Antibodies: They indicate a recent or current infection.
IgG Antibodies: Suggest either past infection or late-stage/recovery phase.

The test involves mixing the patient's blood sample with bacterial antigens embedded on a test strip or dot matrix. If antibodies are present, they bind to these antigens and produce visible dots, confirming the diagnosis.

Get a second opinion from trusted experts and makeconfident, informed decisions.

Get Second Opinion

Typhidot Test Procedure

The process is simple and can be completed within 15-30 minutes:

Sample Collection: A blood sample is drawn from a vein in your arm.
Test Setup: The sample is applied to a Typhidot test strip pre-coated with Salmonella antigens.
Reaction Phase: The sample is allowed to react for a short period, typically 15-20 minutes.
Result Reading: The presence of colored dots indicates the detection of IgM and/or IgG antibodies.
Report Generation: The test results are interpreted and reported as either positive or negative for each antibody.

How Should I Prepare for the Typhidot Test?

No special preparation is needed, but here are some helpful tips:

No Fasting Needed: You can eat and drink as usual before the test unless instructed otherwise.
Inform the Doctor About Medications: Certain drugs, especially antibiotics, might affect test results.
Avoid Self-Medication: Do not take antibiotics before consulting a doctor, as they can suppress symptoms and lead to false-negative results.
Stay Relaxed: Stress has no impact on this test, but it's good to be calm during sample collection.
Disclose Medical History: Share any recent illnesses or vaccinations with your doctor, as they may influence antibody response.

What Type of Sample is Collected for the Typhidot Test?

The test requires a venous blood sample, generally taken from the inner elbow or back of the hand. After collection:

The blood is allowed to clot, and serum is extracted.
The serum is then used for the immunoassay.
The test does not require urine, saliva, or stool samples.

How is the Typhidot Test Performed?

Here is a step-by-step outline of the testing process:

Positioning: You'll be seated comfortably, and your arm will be cleaned with an antiseptic.
Blood Sample Taken: A sterile needle is used to draw blood from a vein.
Serum Preparation: The blood is centrifuged to separate the serum for testing.
Test Activation: The serum is dropped onto the test kit's detection zone.
Incubation Period: The sample is left to react for about 15-30 minutes.
Result Display: Colored dots appear on the test strip if antibodies are detected.
Documentation: Results are recorded and shared with your doctor for interpretation.

Your health is everything - prioritize your well-being today.

Schedule Your Appointment

Understanding Typhidot Test Results and Follow-Up

Results from a Typhidot test are usually available on the same day and are interpreted as:

IgM Positive: Indicates an active infection, for which immediate treatment with antibiotics is recommended.
IgG Positive: Suggests a past infection or recovery, for no treatment may be needed unless symptoms persist.
Both IgM & IgG Positive: May indicate reinfection, ongoing illness, or chronic carrier status.
Both Negative: No evidence of typhoid infection, other causes of fever may need to be explored.

Your doctor will decide the next steps based on the test result, symptoms, and overall health. If results are inconclusive or symptoms persist, a blood culture may be done to confirm the diagnosis.

What Should I Do After Getting My Typhidot Test?

Once the test is complete:

Return to Normal Activities: There's no recovery time needed after the test.
Discuss the Results: Always consult your doctor to understand what your result means.
Start or Adjust Medication: Follow the prescribed treatment strictly if your result is positive.
Monitor Symptoms: Report any changes or worsening of symptoms promptly.
Maintain Hygiene: Typhoid spreads through contaminated food and water, so maintain good handwashing and food hygiene practices.
Retesting if Needed: Sometimes follow-up tests are recommended after a week or if initial treatment fails.

Other Tests

Widal Test

Salmonella Paratyphi Test

Frequently Asked Questions

The Typhidot test is not painful for most people. You might feel a quick pinch or slight sting when the needle goes in to take the blood sample, but it only lasts a few seconds. Some people may have mild soreness or a small bruise afterward, but this goes away quickly.

The Typhidot test is very safe and only involves drawing a small amount of blood. Most people feel only a quick pinch during the needle prick. Some may have mild side effects like a little bruising, swelling, or soreness at the spot where the needle was inserted.

You will usually receive your Typhidot test results within 24 to 48 hours, depending on the lab's processing time. Reports are typically sent directly to you through WhatsApp or given as a printed copy.

You usually don't need to fast before a Typhidot Test, so eating or drinking beforehand is generally allowed. However, always follow your doctor's specific instructions as requirements may vary.

The Typhidot Test is not a routine screening but is done when typhoid fever is suspected. You only need it if you show symptoms like high fever, weakness, or abdominal pain after potential exposure.

Abnormal Typhidot results may indicate a current or recent typhoid infection. Your doctor will likely order further tests and may begin antibiotic treatment depending on your symptoms and medical history.

The Typhidot test in India typically costs between Rs.300 to Rs.800, depending on the city, hospital, and laboratory. Prices may vary slightly based on whether it's a standard or rapid version of the test.