Dengue NS 1Antigen

Dengue NS1 antigen positive means the dengue virus is present and you likely have an acute (early) dengue infection. NS1 is a viral protein detectable in blood during the first days (usually up to about a week) of illness. A positive NS1 confirms infection but does not predict severity; follow-up tests (IgM/IgG, PCR), platelet and hematocrit monitoring, and clinical observation for warning signs are recommended.

NS1 antigen–positive means early dengue. Management is supportive: rest, oral fluids/oral rehydration, paracetamol for fever (avoid NSAIDs/aspirin), antiemetics if needed. Monitor daily with clinical checks and blood counts (platelets, hematocrit), and watch for warning signs—severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, bleeding, dizziness, reduced urine output. Seek urgent hospital care for warning signs, rapidly falling platelets, or shock.

The normal (negative) result for dengue NS1 antigen is "not detected" — i.e., below the assay-specific cut-off. Many commercial assays use a cut-off index of <1.0 to indicate negative; quantitative units and reference ranges (e.g., COI or ng/mL) vary by kit and laboratory. Values at or above the manufacturer’s cut-off are reported as positive, indicating acute dengue infection.

NS1 is a dengue viral antigen detectable very early (often days 0–5, sometimes up to day 9), indicating active viremia and acute infection. IgM is the host’s antibody that appears later (typically ~3–5 days after symptoms), peaks around two weeks, and can persist for weeks to months, signaling recent infection. Using both tests broadens diagnostic sensitivity across the illness timeline.

Dengue NS1 antigen is usually detectable from the first day of fever and remains positive for about 5 to 9 days, often highest in the first 3 to 5 days. In some cases it can persist up to around 12 days. Sensitivity is lower in secondary infections, so a negative NS1 after day 5 does not rule out dengue; PCR or IgM testing may be needed.

Which "NS test" do you mean? Common possibilities: non‑stress test (NST) in pregnancy, nucleic acid/PCR (sometimes called NA/NS) tests for infections, or newborn screening (NBS). Also, which country or city should costs reflect? Tell me the exact test and location and I’ll provide a 50–75 word answer with typical costs.