Dengue
Point-of-care rapid testing for dengue. OEM/ODM manufacturer.
Overview
Dengue is a mosquito-borne flavivirus infection endemic across tropical and subtropical regions. An estimated 100–400 million infections occur annually (WHO). Early diagnosis guides fluid management and case classification.
Clinical Context
Caused by dengue virus (DENV 1–4), transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. Symptoms: sudden high fever, severe headache, retro-orbital pain, myalgia and rash. An estimated 100–400 million infections occur annually (WHO).
Diagnostic Markers & Methods
NS1 antigen (early, day 1–7) · IgM/IgG serology (later, ~day 3–5+) · combined NS1+IgM/IgG for the widest window. RT-PCR for confirmation.
Antigen vs Antibody
NS1 antigen detects the virus itself (active infection, day 1–7); IgM/IgG detect the immune response (from ~day 3–5). A combined NS1+IgM/IgG device covers the full window.
Diagnostic Workflow
Clinically suspected dengue → NS1 antigen (early) or IgM/IgG (later) → confirm by PCR where available → classify severity to guide fluid management.
Testing Window
NS1: day 1–7 of fever (early). IgM: ~day 3–5. IgG: later, persists.
Interpretation
NS1 positive = acute infection; IgM/IgG positive = recent or past exposure. Flavivirus cross-reactivity (Zika) must be considered in serology.
False Negative / Positive Considerations
False negative: testing outside the marker window (IgM too early, NS1 too late). False positive: flavivirus cross-reactivity (Zika, yellow fever).
Confirmatory Testing
RT-PCR (viral RNA) is the reference; paired serology on acute and convalescent samples.
Testing Settings
Rapid tests suit field clinics and outbreak response (instrument-free, minutes); reference labs confirm by PCR and serotype.
Sources
WHO dengue guidelines; CDC dengue clinical guidance.
Progene's Take
Position: For a distributor sourcing dengue rapid tests, stock the combined NS1 + IgM/IgG device rather than single-marker tests — it covers the full diagnostic window and cuts your rejection risk.
- NS1 catches the first week; IgM/IgG covers the later serology window — a combo widens coverage in one SKU.
- Fewer SKUs to stock and document means lower inventory and registration burden.
- Tropical markets want room-temperature-stable kits with CE — confirm both before you commit.
This is the buyer-advisor view of the technical team — editorial guidance, not a substitute for product IFU or local regulatory requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
How accurate are dengue rapid tests?
NS1 antigen tests are most sensitive in the first week; IgM/IgG serology is more reliable later. Combined NS1+IgM/IgG devices offer the best overall detection across the illness course. All rapid results are screening-grade and may need confirmation.
Can a dengue rapid test distinguish primary from secondary infection?
IgG/IgM patterns provide clues (IgM-dominant suggests primary; rapid IgG rise suggests secondary), but a rapid test alone cannot definitively classify — interpret with clinical and epidemiological context.
What is the diagnostic window for dengue NS1?
NS1 is typically detectable from day 1 of fever through the first week, before IgM reliably appears — making it the earliest viral antigen marker of acute dengue.
Related knowledge
Products (3)
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