What should you know about a dengue antigen test?

An antigen test searches for a component of the dengue virus in a blood sample. It can help a clinician assess a person with fever after mosquito exposure or travel. The useful testing window depends on when illness started, and a negative finding may need context or follow-up. The test cannot explain every fever and does not measure dehydration or organ function. Examination and other blood results remain part of the assessment.

Book a [GP Consultation](/treatments/consultations-and-assessment/gp-consultation/) and bring the date fever began, travel destinations, mosquito exposure and a list of medicines. Follow the laboratory's instructions for the blood sample. Until reviewed, drink fluids as tolerated, rest, avoid unapproved pain medicines, and use mosquito-bite precautions.

Seek urgent care for bleeding, [Easy Bruising](/symptoms/easy-bruising/), severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, fainting, confusion, breathing trouble or inability to keep fluids down. Promptly report [Fever](/symptoms/fever/) with [Headache](/symptoms/headache/), [Joint Pain](/symptoms/joint-pain/) or worsening weakness, even if a prior antigen test was negative.

Ask which antigen test is planned, whether the timing is suitable, how a negative result will be followed up, and which symptoms mean you should return urgently.