All Types of Fever Tests

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All Types of Fever Tests

Comprehensive Diagnostic Overview by HRTD Medical Institute, Mirpur-10, Dhaka

Introduction

Fever is one of the most common clinical symptoms experienced by people of all ages. It is not a disease by itself but rather a vital sign that indicates an underlying condition or infection in the body. The human body maintains a normal temperature around 98.6°F (37°C). When the body temperature rises beyond this point due to infection, inflammation, or other causes, it is considered a fever.

At HRTD Medical Institute, located at Mirpur-10, Dhaka, we emphasize the importance of identifying the cause of fever through accurate laboratory testing. Different diseases can present with fever, and the right diagnostic tests are essential for proper treatment. Understanding the various types of fever and their respective diagnostic tests helps in clinical decision-making and ensures timely management of the patient.

Understanding Fever

Fever occurs when the hypothalamus, the temperature-regulating center in the brain, raises the body’s temperature set-point in response to infection, inflammation, or other triggers. It is part of the body’s natural defense mechanism — fighting off invading microorganisms and stimulating the immune system.

However, not all fevers are harmless. Some types, such as typhoid, dengue, malaria, and viral hemorrhagic fevers, can be life-threatening if not diagnosed and treated early. Therefore, performing the correct fever tests is a crucial step in medical investigation.

Common Causes of Fever

Infections – Bacterial, viral, parasitic, or fungal infections.
Inflammatory conditions – Rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, etc.
Cancers – Especially leukemia and lymphoma.
Heat exhaustion – Environmental heat exposure.
Drug-induced fever – Reaction to certain medications.
Post-vaccination – Mild immune response after vaccination.

Since infections are the leading cause of fever, most fever-related diagnostic tests focus on identifying infectious agents.

Types of Fever and Associated Diagnostic Tests

There are numerous types of fever based on cause, duration, and pattern. Below are the most important types and the corresponding tests performed at HRTD Medical Institute.

1. Typhoid Fever

Cause: Salmonella typhi bacteria.
Mode of Transmission: Contaminated food and water.
Symptoms: Prolonged fever, weakness, abdominal pain, headache, constipation or diarrhea, and sometimes rash.

Diagnostic Tests:

Widal Test: Detects antibodies (O and H agglutinins) against Salmonella typhi.
Typhidot Test: Detects IgM and IgG antibodies specific to typhoid infection.
Blood Culture: Gold standard for detecting S. typhi.
Complete Blood Count (CBC): May show low WBC count.

At HRTD Medical Institute, all typhoid tests are performed with modern automated equipment ensuring high accuracy and quick results.

2. Dengue Fever

Cause: Dengue virus transmitted by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes.
Symptoms: Sudden high fever, severe headache, pain behind eyes, joint and muscle pain, rash, and bleeding tendencies in severe cases.

Diagnostic Tests:

NS1 Antigen Test: Detects dengue virus antigen during early infection.
IgM and IgG Antibody Tests: Identify recent or past infections.
CBC: Platelet count often drops, and hematocrit rises.
PCR Test: Detects viral RNA (for confirmatory diagnosis).

HRTD Medical Institute provides reliable dengue screening packages during outbreak seasons, ensuring early detection and monitoring.

3. Malaria

Cause: Plasmodium parasites (P. falciparum, P. vivax, P. malariae, P. ovale).
Transmission: Bite of infected Anopheles mosquitoes.
Symptoms: Intermittent fever, chills, sweating, anemia, weakness.

Diagnostic Tests:

Peripheral Blood Smear: Microscopic examination to detect parasites.
Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT): Detects specific malaria antigens in blood.
PCR Test: Confirms species and parasite load.

HRTD Medical Institute uses both traditional microscopy and rapid antigen kits to confirm malaria quickly and accurately.

4. Viral Fever

Cause: General viral infections such as influenza, adenovirus, enterovirus, or COVID-19.
Symptoms: Fever, sore throat, cough, body ache, fatigue.

Diagnostic Tests:

CBC: Helps rule out bacterial infection (usually normal or low WBC).
COVID-19 Antigen or RT-PCR: To confirm coronavirus infection.
Influenza Test: Detects influenza A or B virus.
CRP Test: Measures inflammation to differentiate viral vs bacterial cause.

At HRTD Medical Institute, viral fever testing is done using molecular and immunoassay-based methods for fast and accurate results.

5. Tuberculosis (TB) Fever

Cause: Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
Symptoms: Low-grade evening fever, night sweats, weight loss, persistent cough.

Diagnostic Tests:

Mantoux (Tuberculin Skin Test)
GeneXpert MTB/RIF Test
Chest X-Ray
ESR and CBC

Our facility provides integrated diagnostic services for both pulmonary and extrapulmonary tuberculosis cases.

6. Chikungunya Fever

Cause: Chikungunya virus (transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes).
Symptoms: High fever, severe joint pain, rash, and muscle pain.

Diagnostic Tests:

IgM Antibody Test
PCR Test
CBC (to rule out dengue co-infection)

HRTD Medical Institute offers chikungunya and dengue combo test panels for comprehensive mosquito-borne disease screening.

7. Typhus Fever

Cause: Rickettsia species (spread by lice, fleas, or mites).
Symptoms: High fever, rash, headache, and body aches.

Diagnostic Tests:

Weil-Felix Test
ELISA for Rickettsial Antibodies
PCR (confirmatory test)

8. Enteric Fever

Sometimes used interchangeably with typhoid, but includes paratyphoid as well.

Tests:

Widal Test
Blood Culture
Stool and Urine Culture

9. Leptospirosis Fever

Cause: Leptospira interrogans bacteria (spread through water contaminated with animal urine).
Symptoms: Fever, jaundice, muscle pain, red eyes.

Tests:

IgM ELISA Test
Microscopic Agglutination Test (MAT)
PCR

10. COVID-19 and Post-Viral Fever

Cause: SARS-CoV-2 virus.
Tests:

RT-PCR (Nasopharyngeal swab)
Rapid Antigen Test
Serological Antibody Tests
Chest CT Scan (for complications)

HRTD Medical Institute was a trusted testing center during the pandemic and continues to offer post-COVID diagnostic support.

Other Specialized Fever Tests

Blood Culture and Sensitivity Test – Detects bacterial infections in blood.
Urine Routine and Culture Test – Detects urinary tract infections causing fever.
Liver Function Tests (LFT) – For fevers involving liver (like hepatitis).
Kidney Function Tests (KFT) – For fevers associated with renal infection.
Serological Tests – Detect specific antibodies (e.g., EBV, CMV).
Complete Blood Count (CBC) – Provides clues for infection type and severity.
CRP and ESR Tests – Measure inflammation in the body.

At HRTD Medical Institute, all these tests are conducted using advanced biochemical and immunological analyzers to ensure accurate and quick results.

Fever Test Packages at HRTD Medical Institute

To simplify diagnosis, our laboratory offers customized fever test panels designed by pathologists and medical technologists:

Basic Fever Panel: CBC, ESR, CRP, Urine Routine.
Infectious Fever Panel: CBC, Widal, Dengue NS1, Malaria RDT.
Comprehensive Fever Panel: CBC, LFT, KFT, Typhoid, Dengue, Malaria, Urine Culture, CRP.
Seasonal Fever Panel: Focused on viral and mosquito-borne diseases during monsoon.

These packages ensure affordability, convenience, and diagnostic accuracy for all patients.

Importance of Fever Diagnosis

Fever diagnosis is critical because many diseases present with similar symptoms but require different treatments. For example, typhoid and dengue both cause high fever but need completely different medications. Misdiagnosis or delay can lead to severe complications. Accurate fever testing helps in:

Identifying the exact cause of fever
Preventing unnecessary antibiotic use
Guiding proper treatment
Monitoring disease progression
Preventing community spread

At HRTD Medical Institute, we focus on evidence-based diagnosis through advanced laboratory methods and experienced medical technologists.

Laboratory Facilities at HRTD Medical Institute

Our institute is equipped with:

Automated hematology analyzers
Biochemistry analyzers
ELISA and immunoassay systems
Microscopic and culture-based diagnostic setups
Trained technologists and pathologists

We ensure:

High accuracy
Fast reporting
Affordable cost
24/7 support during outbreaks

Public Awareness and Prevention

Since most fevers in Bangladesh are infection-related, prevention is the best strategy. Public education, hygiene, mosquito control, and vaccination are vital.

Preventive Measures:

Drink boiled or filtered water.
Avoid street food during monsoon.
Use mosquito nets and repellents.
Keep surroundings clean.
Get vaccinated where available.
Visit a doctor early if fever lasts more than 3 days.

HRTD Medical Institute regularly conducts health awareness programs and workshops to educate the public about fever prevention and testing.

The Role of HRTD Medical Institute

The HRTD Medical Institute, located at Section-6, Block-Kha, Road-1, Plot-11, Metro Rail Pillar-249, Folpotti Mosque Lane, Mirpur-10, Dhaka-1216, is a renowned center for diagnostic training and pathology services.

Our institute not only provides testing facilities but also trains future medical technologists through hands-on laboratory experience. Students learn about:

Fever diagnosis procedures
Sample collection and analysis
Quality control in testing
Interpretation of lab results

Thus, HRTD Medical Institute plays a dual role — serving the community through diagnostic services and developing skilled laboratory professionals for the future.

Conclusion

Fever is one of the most important warning signs of disease. Accurate and timely testing can save lives, especially in a country like Bangladesh where infections are common. Each type of fever — whether typhoid, dengue, malaria, or viral — requires specific diagnostic methods.

At HRTD Medical Institute, we ensure that every patient receives reliable, scientific, and compassionate care. Our goal is to promote early diagnosis, proper treatment, and public awareness to reduce the burden of fever-related diseases.

Contact Information

📍 HRTD Medical Institute
Section-6, Block-Kha, Road-1, Plot-11, Metro Rail Pillar-249, Folpotti Mosque Lane, Mirpur-10, Dhaka-1216
📞 01797522136, 01987073965, 01784572173