Everything You Should Know About the Fever Panel Test
The monsoon brings rain and relief from the sweltering heat, but it also brings a slew of diseases. As our body carves out the opportunity to adjust to moving in an environment, there is a possibility of becoming helpless against rainstorm ailments, which is why we should be more cautious. Malaria, dengue, typhoid, and other water-borne infections are common and occasionally can cause death. Hence, a screening test named the fever profile test is essential in the monsoon.
A panel of blood tests known as a fever profile test is performed to determine the underlying cause of persistent fever and other common symptoms. They do this normally to check for indications of any malaria, typhoid, or dengue in the body, which should be treated right away before they turn out to be serious.
If the fever persists for an extended period, the doctors recommend this fever panel procedure. Therefore, even though it is a routine test in the majority of clinics and hospitals, its significance cannot be underestimated.
What is the purpose of undergoing a fever panel test?
A fever panel test is recommended by the doctor for the following purposes:
- Malaria, dengue, and typhoid are all detected by a fever test
- Early detection of any fever facilitates timely treatment and quick recovery.
- Recommended in case of chronic low-grade fever
- You are experiencing the side effects such as headache, severe body pain, diarrhea, abdominal pain, vomiting, muscle weakness, loss of appetite, skin rashes, chills, weight loss, along with fever for over two days.
What are the tests included in the fever profile test?
A fever profile test consists of more than one specific test, which includes Complete Blood Count (CBC), Widal Test (Slide Technique), Dengue Serology, Fringe smear for Intestinal sickness Parasite (MP), and Coronavirus RT-PCR.
What could be the causes of fever?
Fever can be caused by microbial infections, heat stroke, several medications, or substance or alcohol withdrawal.
Is there any risk associated with a fever panel test?
The fever profile test has absolutely no risks or side effects.
How to get ready for a fever profile test?
Before undergoing a fever profile test, a person does not need to do anything specific. However, let your doctor know if you’re taking any medicine right now or in the past. Additionally, the patient should fast for at least 8 to 10 hours before the test, but they should drink enough water to stay hydrated.
Can a fever panel be scheduled at home?
Indeed, the fever profile test is simple and hassle-free. You can reserve a slot based on the required tests. A skilled phlebotomist will visit your residence to collect blood samples. Your temperature would also be tracked. The blood samples that have been collected are taken to the lab for analysis, after which the reports will be sent online via email. You can also get a free doctor consultation in case of concerns in your lab reports.
What is the basic interpretation of the fever panel test?
Every test under the fever profile has varied parameters for result evaluation. Some of the interpretations include:
- The high neutrophil count is usually a sign of bacterial contamination.
- Viral infection may cause a high lymphocyte count.
- Typhoid fever is confirmed by a positive Widal test.
- The presence of a malarial parasite on the peripheral smear indicates a malaria-related infection.
- Similarly, this test helps in determining dengue NS1 antigens, which indicate the presence of dengue
- MCV, MCH, Hb, RBC, PCV, RDW, MPV, MCHb, total leucocyte count, platelet count, neutrophils, lymphocytes, eosinophils, monocytes, and basophils are all included in the CBC (Complete Blood Count).
- The Erythrocyte Sedimentation Test, or ESR, aids in identifying any condition that causes internal inflammation.