DengueRDTs

DengueRDTs refers to Dengue Rapid Diagnostic Tests. These are point-of-care diagnostic tools designed to detect the presence of dengue virus infection in a person's blood. They offer a faster alternative to traditional laboratory-based methods, such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests, which can take hours or days to yield results. DengueRDTs are typically performed in clinical settings with limited laboratory infrastructure, making them valuable in remote or resource-limited areas where dengue outbreaks are common.

These tests usually detect specific viral antigens, such as the NS1 antigen produced during the early stages of infection, or antibodies (IgM and IgG) that the body produces in response to the virus. The NS1 antigen test is most effective during the first week of illness, while antibody tests become positive later in the course of the infection. DengueRDTs provide a qualitative result, indicating whether the target antigen or antibody is present. While convenient and rapid, their sensitivity and specificity can vary between different test kits and may be influenced by factors such as the timing of sample collection and the specific dengue virus serotype. Therefore, a positive DengueRDT result often requires confirmation by more definitive laboratory methods, especially in situations where accurate diagnosis is critical for patient management and public health surveillance.