Perspectives
Is the Dengue NS1 Antigen test a credible indicator for clinical decision-making?
Authors:
S. S. Gunathilaka ,
Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Saliyapura, LK
About S. S.
Faculty of Medicine and Allied Sciences
S. A. M. Kularatne,
University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, LK
About S. A. M.
Faculty of Medicine
J. Rajapakse,
University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, LK
About J.
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences
R. Muthugala
National Hospital, Kandy, LK
Abstract
A valid, credible diagnostic test result is essential for adequate case management and to decrease the events of misdiagnosis of dengue infection. Of the available diagnostic tests, the NS1 rapid antigen detection immune-chromatographic strip test (ICT) is the most frequently used test for diagnosing dengue infection in resource-poor settings. A preliminary study was conducted in a Teaching Hospital in Sri Lanka to compare the NS1 rapid antigen test resultsperformed in the local private laboratories with the RT-PCR test in a group of patients with ‘probable dengue’. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of the NS1 rapid antigen test compared to RT PCR were 41.6%, 63.2%, 20.83% and 82.3%, respectively. These values are much lower than the previous literature questioning the credibility of NS1 antigen detection ICT results. Thus, clinical decisions would ideally be based on clinical features and the combination of laboratory tests, and the regulatory requirement of local laboratory testing was noted.
How to Cite:
Gunathilaka, S.S., Kularatne, S.A.M., Rajapakse, J. and Muthugala, R., 2023. Is the Dengue NS1 Antigen test a credible indicator for clinical decision-making?. Anuradhapura Medical Journal, 17(1), pp.01–03. DOI: http://doi.org/10.4038/amj.v17i1.7741
Published on
01 May 2023.
Peer Reviewed
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