how to read a Widal test report
How to Read a Widal Test Report
The Widal test is a blood test that is used to diagnose typhoid fever. The test measures the levels of antibodies to Salmonella typhi, the bacteria that causes typhoid fever.
A Widal test report will typically show the following information
* The patient’s name and date of birth
* The test results for the O and H antigens
* The titers of the antibodies
* The interpretation of the results
The O antigen is the outer coat of the Salmonella typhi bacteria. The H antigen is the flagellum, or tail, of the bacteria.
A titer is a measure of the concentration of antibodies in the blood. A titer of 1160 or higher is considered positive for typhoid fever.
The interpretation of the Widal test results depends on the patient’s clinical symptoms and the stage of the infection. In general, a positive Widal test result indicates that the patient has been infected with Salmonella typhi. However, a positive test result can also be due to previous infection or vaccination.
If the patient has symptoms of typhoid fever, such as fever, headache, fatigue, and abdominal pain, and the Widal test results are positive, then the patient is likely to have active typhoid fever.
If the patient does not have symptoms of typhoid fever, but the Widal test results are positive, then the patient may have been infected with Salmonella typhi in the past. A rising titer, which means that the titer increases over time, is more likely to be indicative of active infection.
The Widal test is not a perfect test for typhoid fever. It can sometimes give false positive or false negative results. If you have a positive Widal test result, your doctor may order further tests, such as a blood culture, to confirm the diagnosis of typhoid fever.
Here are some additional things to keep in mind when reading a Widal test report
* The Widal test is not always accurate. It can sometimes give false positive or false negative results.
* The Widal test is not the only test that can be used to diagnose typhoid fever. Other tests, such as a blood culture, may be more accurate.
* The Widal test results should be interpreted in conjunction with the patient’s clinical symptoms.
If you have any questions about your Widal test results, please talk to your doctor.
