Question 1

What are Antibodies?

Accepted Answer

Antibodies, also known as immunoglobulins, are protective proteins generated in the body when exposed to Antigens. Antibodies are used by the immune system to detect and destroy foreign objects like bacteria, viruses etc., Bacteria, Viruses or such foreign objects are the Antigens. Antibodies are proteins that identify the antigens and adhere to them in order to eliminate foreign objects from the body.
Salmonella typhi causes typhoid fever, a bacterial infection that grows in the intestine and blood. Salmonella bacteria possess O antigen and H antigen. Salmonella Paratyphi bacteria possess O, AH and BH antigens. Antibodies against Salmonella typhi O and H antigens or against Salmonella paratyphi AH and BH antigens are produced by the patient’s body after infection with S. Typhi or S. Paratyphi bacteria respectively.

Question 2

Why is this test performed?

Accepted Answer

Widal test is used to see if there are any antibodies developed against Salmonella species in the blood. It aids in the diagnosis of Enteric fever or Typhoid or Paratyphoid fever caused by Salmonella typhi and Salmonella paratyphi A, B, and C. If you have symptoms like fever, weakness, severe headache, lack of appetite, rose-coloured patches on the trunk, discomfort in the abdomen/stomach pain, chills, nausea or vomiting, constipation or diarrhoea, muscle weakness, your doctor may recommend this test. This test may be advised for patients receiving treatment for typhoid or paratyphoid fever to determine how effective the ongoing treatment is.

Question 3

What are the Precautions for the Widal test?

Accepted Answer

Some drugs can affect the Widal test findings, you should tell your doctor about all of your current medications before the test. Also, let your doctor know if you had a past history of Enteric fever or vaccination against Typhoid infection.

Question 4

What are the Preparations for the Widal Test?

Accepted Answer

Before your Widal test, tell your doctor if you're taking any drugs or have any allergies, or have any underlying medical conditions. Accordingly, your doctor will offer you precise advice on how to prepare for the Widal test. This test does not necessitate any special preparation.

Question 5

Can we avail Widal Test at Home?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Widal test requires a blood sample that can be collected at your doorstep. The collected sample is then sent to the lab to perform the test.

Question 6

What happens once the Widal Test results are available?

Accepted Answer

If the test results are negative, it may indicate that there is no infection caused by Salmonella species. But the result can be negative in the early stages of infection. Hence, the Doctor might ask you to repeat the Widal test after 7-10 days if you continue to show symptoms related to Typhoid fever. In case the test results are positive, it may indicate that there may be a chance for infection caused by Salmonella species and you may consult with your doctor. The doctor will correlate your symptoms, past medical history and test reports and then start your treatment.

Gender
Age groups
Value

UNISEX
All age groups
Agglutination is seen in positive cases

Question 7

What are Widal Test Normal Readings?

Accepted Answer

An antibody titre of more than 1:80 for O antigen and more than 1:160 for H antigen is suggestive of enteric fever. Antibody titres lower than this are common in healthy individuals. A single positive test is not significant due to its limitations.
A 4-fold or more rise in titres between two samples taken 7-10 days apart is considered as definitive evidence of typhoid infection.

Question 8

What is the typhoid positive ratio?

Accepted Answer

Based on the concentration and ratio of antigen and antibody, agglutination is seen in the Widal test. The highest dilution of serum sample of the patient that shows visible agglutination is considered as the titre of the patient. An antibody titre of more than 1:80 for O antigen and more than 1:160 for H antigen is considered positive.

Question 9

What happens once I get my Widal test results?

Accepted Answer

Based on your symptoms you might have been started on empirical treatment by your doctor if typhoid is common in your locality or city or if your doctor has strong suspicion for typhoid infection to prevent complications. 
Once your test results are received if the test is positive you will be given typhoid specific treatment. 
If the test is inconclusive either the Widal test is repeated to see the titres or Typhidot or blood culture/ other tests are performed.
If the Widal test is negative and typhoid fever is excluded from diagnosis then other tests are performed to see for the presence of other infections.

Before test	During test
It is not mandatory to fast for 8-10 hours before the test.	There might be slight pain and bruising on the arm from where the blood is collected. However, these symptoms will go away quickly.

Widal Test Booking, Procedureand Results [2022-23]

Table of contents

Request a Call Back

What is the Widal Test used for?

What is included in a Widal Test?

What is the Widal Test Procedure?

How to prepare for the Widal Test?

Things to consider after the Widal Test is completed

What type of infections can a Widal Test detect?

How long does it take to get Widal Test results?

Is the Widal Test a definitive test?

How to read the Widal test Blood test report?

Where to get the Widal Test done?

What affects the Widal Test results?

Our Trusted Lab Partners for Widal Test

Widal Test at Home - How it Works?

For further assistance

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Antibodies?

Why is this test performed?

What are the Precautions for the Widal test?

What are the Preparations for the Widal Test?

Can we avail Widal Test at Home?

What happens once the Widal Test results are available?

What are Widal Test Normal Readings?

What is the typhoid positive ratio?

What happens once I get my Widal test results?

References:

Other Lab Tests

Popular Health Packages

Interesting Blogs to Read

Gender	Age groups	Value
UNISEX	All age groups	Agglutination is seen in positive cases