Dengue Antibody, IgG, Rapid Detection Test
This rapid test detects IgG antibodies to the dengue virus, indicating a past or secondary dengue infection. A quick blood test that provides results within hours.
6 hours
Turnaround
Blood
Sample
What the Dengue Antibody, IgG, Rapid Detection Test test tells you
Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral infection found across much of Asia, Africa, the Americas and the Pacific, and cases are seen in the UAE in travellers returning from countries where it circulates. When the virus infects someone the immune system responds in stages, and it helps to know which stage each antibody belongs to. IgM is the early antibody: it appears within days, fades over the following months, and points to a recent or current infection. IgG is the late and durable part of the response — it appears afterwards, persists for years, and usually indicates past exposure or existing immunity. This test looks for IgG.
In a first dengue infection IgG appears roughly a week or more after symptoms begin and then stays, often for life. Its behaviour changes in a repeat infection with a different dengue serotype: the immune system recognises the viral family and produces IgG quickly, so a strong IgG early in the illness suggests a secondary infection rather than a first one. That distinction matters, because second infections carry a higher risk of the severe, plasma-leaking form of dengue.
Because IgG lingers indefinitely, a positive result on its own says that you have met dengue at some point, not that you have it now. It is read together with IgM and, where available, the NS1 antigen, and always against the timeline of your illness and where you have travelled. Your doctor interprets the pattern, not any single line on the test.
Dengue can become severe quickly, so this test is not a substitute for being seen. If you have a fever and have recently been somewhere dengue is common, arrange medical assessment rather than booking a test and waiting for a report. Get emergency care immediately for severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, bleeding from the gums or nose, blood in vomit or stool, or extreme lethargy or restlessness. These warning signs typically appear as the fever settles, which is exactly when people assume they are recovering.
Recommended when dengue fever is suspected, especially in endemic or travel-related settings, to distinguish primary from secondary infection.
An early, strong IgG alongside IgM points to a second dengue infection, which your doctor will watch more closely.
A positive IgG with no current symptoms records that you have had dengue before, which is useful background for any future fever.
IgG covers the late part of the antibody timeline that IgM and NS1 antigen testing do not reach.
In someone who has returned from a country where dengue circulates, antibody testing helps place the illness in context alongside clinical assessment.
Reasons your doctor may request the Dengue Antibody, IgG, Rapid Detection Test test
Your doctor may order this test for any of the reasons below. Some are routine checks, others follow specific symptoms or an earlier result.
Fever after travel
Fever, severe headache and marked joint or muscle pain after travel to a region where dengue circulates.
A rash with fever in someone living in or returning from a dengue area.
Later in the illness
Illness continuing beyond the first few days, when antibodies have had time to appear.
Follow-up testing after an earlier sample was taken too early to show antibodies.
Repeat infection
Suspected repeat dengue infection in a person who has had it before.
No fasting window — pick any slot that suits you, online or on WhatsApp.
A DHA-licensed nurse collects your sample at home or in the office — free home collection.
A physician-reviewed, easy-to-read report lands securely by WhatsApp and email.
Dengue IgG indicates past or recent dengue exposure.
Dengue Antibody, IgG, Rapid Detection Test
Dengue IgG indicates past or recent dengue exposure.
No infection or antibodies detected — a negative result.
Detected — a positive result. Please consult your physician for confirmation and next steps.
This test is reported descriptively rather than on a numeric scale — each finding below explains what your report may say.
This information is for general education only and is not medical advice. Reference ranges can vary by laboratory, age, sex, and individual factors. Always consult your physician or doctor to interpret your results.
What a higher result can point to
- Dengue infection in the past, sometimes years earlier, since IgG persists indefinitely.
- A current secondary dengue infection, in which IgG rises quickly and early.
- The convalescent stage of a first dengue infection, once IgG has developed.
- Cross-reaction with other flaviviruses such as Zika, yellow fever or Japanese encephalitis, including after vaccination against them.
These are possibilities, not diagnoses. A single value outside the reference range is interpreted alongside your symptoms, history and other tests — your doctor decides what it means for you.
What this test cannot tell you
- A positive IgG cannot by itself say whether the infection is current, because the antibody persists for years after recovery.
- Antibodies raised against related flaviviruses, or against vaccines for them, can cross-react and produce a positive result without dengue.
- Testing too early in the illness can give a negative result even in genuine dengue, so a repeat sample later may be needed.
- No antibody result replaces clinical assessment: fever after travel to a dengue area needs prompt medical review, and severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, bleeding from the gums or nose, blood in vomit or stool, or extreme lethargy or restlessness need emergency care straight away.
Risks of the blood draw
- Mild bruising or brief soreness where the needle went in.
- Occasional lightheadedness, which settles after a few minutes of rest.
- Bleeding or infection at the site, which is rare with sterile single-use equipment.
- 1IgG is the long-lasting antibody the immune system makes against dengue, while IgM is the early one.
- 2IgG appears late in a first infection but early and strongly in a repeat one.
- 3A positive result signals exposure at some point, not necessarily current illness.
- 4It is interpreted together with IgM, NS1 antigen and the timing of your symptoms.
- 5Fever with recent travel to a dengue area needs prompt medical assessment, not a self-booked test and a wait for the report; warning signs appearing as the fever settles are an emergency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about the Dengue Antibody, IgG, Rapid Detection Test test. Can't find what you're looking for?
Talk to our team→Not on its own. IgG stays in the blood for years after recovery, so a positive result may reflect an old infection. Your doctor looks at IgM, the NS1 antigen and the timing of your symptoms to judge whether the infection is current.
IgM is the antibody your body makes first. It appears within days of the fever starting and fades over the following months, so it suggests recent or current infection. IgG comes later, lasts for years, and usually reflects past exposure or immunity.
You are protected against the particular dengue serotype you had, but not against the others that circulate. A later infection with a different serotype is possible and can be more severe, which is why mosquito precautions still matter.
Yes. Dengue belongs to the flavivirus family, and antibodies raised against relatives such as Zika, yellow fever or Japanese encephalitis — whether from infection or vaccination — can cross-react. Your travel and vaccination history helps your doctor allow for this.
This rapid test detects IgG antibodies to the dengue virus, indicating a past or secondary dengue infection. A quick blood test that provides results within hours.
Recommended when dengue fever is suspected, especially in endemic or travel-related settings, to distinguish primary from secondary infection.
No, fasting is not required for the Past Dengue Antibody (IgG) test, so you can eat and drink normally beforehand.
The Past Dengue Antibody (IgG) test uses a blood sample, collected quickly by our DHA-licensed phlebotomist with minimal discomfort.
Results for the Past Dengue Antibody (IgG) test are typically ready within 6 hours. You will receive a secure digital report, and your Smart Report highlights anything outside the normal range.
The Past Dengue Antibody (IgG) test is AED 269, which includes free home sample collection and a physician-reviewed report. You can also build a custom panel and pay only for the markers you choose.
Yes. A DHA-licensed phlebotomist can collect your sample at home or the office anywhere in Dubai at no extra cost, 7 days a week. See how it works.
It is commonly chosen by all ages. If you are not sure it is right for you, our care team is happy to advise.
Add the Past Dengue Antibody (IgG) test to your cart and complete the short booking wizard, choosing home collection or a lab visit. Guest checkout lets you book without creating an account.
Yes. It is processed at our EIAC-accredited laboratory (ISO 15189:2022) under DHA license 0046381 and verified by board-certified pathologists.
Every report includes reference ranges and plain-language notes. If you have questions, our care team can arrange a clinician review — just get in touch.
Absolutely. Add it to a curated health package or bundle it with any of our 160+ biomarkers, often from a single sample in one visit.