What is the Chikungunya Test?

Frequently Asked Questions:

Why do I need the Chikungunya Test?

Chikungunya is easily transmissible and may spread into a contagious epidemic if it is not controlled. Detecting the virus at an early stage and taking the necessary precautions to ensure that it does not spread is therefore essential.

What happens during the Chikungunya Test?

A nurse/doctor draws a blood sample from a vein, usually in the arm, collected in a vial or syringe tube. The Semi-Quantitative Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay analyses the blood sample to detect the presence of anti-chikungunya antibodies.

What are the 3 symptoms of chikungunya fever?

Symptoms of Chikungunya usually tend to appear after a week of infection. Individuals with underlying health complications and illnesses may experience varied symptoms and severity.

However, some common symptoms of chikungunya infection include,

• Prolonged muscle pain and fatigue
• High-grade fever (typically above 102 degrees F)
• Severe joint pain

Other less common symptoms include,

• Swelling of joints
• Headaches
• Eye problems

Is fasting required for the chikungunya test?

You do not need any special preparations or fasting for the chikungunya test. Doctors may recommend you to follow some instructions as they might affect your test results:

• Avoid taking certain medications or supplements
• Avoid smoking before the test
• Make sure not to eat 2 hours before the test
• Stay hydrated

How long will the Chikungunya test last?

Patients can get their test results within 30 minutes, depending on the laboratory. 

Additional tests such as RT-PCR-based testing may take 1-3 days depending on the collection and analysis of the sample in the laboratory.

Is there a blood test for chikungunya?

Yes, serological blood tests detect Chikungunya. The presence of anti-chikungunya antibodies such as IgG and IgM indicate possible exposure to chikungunya viral infection.

Does platelet count decrease in chikungunya?

Like many other viral infections, chikungunya infection may also affect your platelet production. Platelet levels may drop below 20,000 per microliter of blood. This can lead to serious bleeding and other health complications. In such cases, your doctor may recommend medications such as dexamethasone or prednisone to boost your platelet count.

Are there any risks associated with the test?

It is very rare for a Chikungunya blood test to result in serious side effects or health complications; however, there is a very small possibility of risks arising. 

This includes

• Skin bruising at the site of blood drawn
• Fainting or dizziness during tests

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