WIDAL TEST (TUBE METHOD)
Additional information | |
|---|---|
| Department | MICROBIOLOGY |
| Speciality Name | WIDAL TEST (TUBE METHOD) |
| Test type | Pathology |
| Report | 24 Hours |
| Also known as | |
| Availability | All centre |
Preparation
No Patient preparation is needed
Overview
The Widal test (Tube method) is a tool to diagnose typhoid, enteric fever and parathyroid fever. These infections occur due to Salmonella typhi and Salmonella paratyphi. In India, the widal test is used because it is very cost efficient, simple, and available easily. It gives more accurate results and is more reliable than other types of tests because it permits significant dilution of antibody levels.
What Is the Widal Test (Tube Method)?
The Widal test is a straightforward tool to determine antibodies in the bloodstream against particular antigens of Salmonella bacteria. In the tube method, the patient’s serum is mixed with the proper antigens in the tubes. The presence and quantity of antibodies are checked by observing clumping at different serum dilutions.
Antigens Tested in the Widal Tube Method
| S.No. | Antigen | Indicates |
| 1 | TO | Salmonella typhi O antigen |
| 2 | TH | Salmonella typhi H antigen |
| 3 | AH | Salmonella paratyphi A |
| 4 | BH | Salmonella paratyphi B |
What is the Purpose of the Widal Test?
The Widal test (tube method) is mainly used to:
- Help diagnose typhoid fever
- Support diagnosis in patients with prolonged fever
- Identify recent or current Salmonella infection
- Monitor antibody levels during illness
- Assist doctors when blood culture facilities are unavailable
Who Should Get a Widal Tube Test?
A doctor may advise a Widal test if a patient experiences:
- Fever lasting more than 5–7 days
- Headache and body aches
- Weakness and fatigue
- Abdominal pain
- Loss of appetite
- Constipation or diarrhea
- History of consuming contaminated food or water
What is the Procedure of Widal Test (Tube Method)?
The tube method follows a systematic laboratory process.
Step-by-Step Procedure
- Blood Sample Collection
- 2–3 ml of venous blood is collected under sterile conditions.
- Serum Separation
- Blood is allowed to clot and serum is separated by centrifugation.
- Serial Dilution
- Serum is diluted in saline (e.g., 1:20, 1:40, 1:80, 1:160).
- Addition of Antigens
- Specific antigens (TO, TH, AH, BH) are added to respective tubes.
- Incubation
- Tubes are incubated at 37°C for 16–24 hours.
- Observation
- Agglutination is observed and the highest dilution showing visible clumping is noted as the antibody titre.
What is the normal reference value of the Widal Tube test?
| S.No. | Antigen | Normal Titre |
| 1 | TO | < 1:80 |
| 2 | TH | < 1:80 |
| 3 | AH | < 1:80 |
| 4 | BH | < 1:80 |
How to interpret Widal Tube test Results
| S. No. | Titre Level | Clinical Meaning |
| 1 | < 1:80 | Negative / Normal |
| 2 | 1:80 | Borderline |
| 3 | ≥ 1:160 | Suggestive of infection |
| 4 | Rising titre (paired samples) | Confirmed recent infection |
What are the Benefits of Widal Test (Tube Method)
- More accurate than slide method
- Quantitative measurement of antibody levels
- Cost-effective
- Widely available
- Useful in resource-limited settings
- Helps in early clinical decision-making
What are the Limitations of Widal Tube Test?
- False positives due to previous infection or vaccination
- False negatives in early stages of illness
- Cross-reaction with other infections (malaria, dengue)
- Results vary by geographic region
- Single test result is not always conclusive
Tube Method vs Slide Method
| S. No. | Feature | Tube Method | Slide Method |
| 1 | Accuracy | High | Moderate |
| 2 | Quantitative | Yes | No |
| 3 | Time required | Longer | Faster |
| 4 | Reliability | Better | Less reliable |
| 5 | Recommended for diagnosis | Yes | Screening only |
What are the Precautions before the Test?
- Inform your doctor about recent vaccinations
- Antibiotic use may affect results
- Best done after 5–7 days of fever
- Follow laboratory instructions properly
Widal Test (Tube Method) price in Delhi?
The Widal Test (Tube Method) in Delhi ranges from INR 200 to INR 600 and can vary in different locations and also depending on the diagnostic centre available, whether private or Government diagnostic centre.
Which Widal test (Tube Method) centre is near me?
The Widal Test (Tube Method) centre near me is City Imaging and Clinical Labs, which gives quality tests at affordable rates and provides special discounts for poor people. This testing centre for thyroid profile is accredited from Government institutions like NABL and NABH and centres have a vast expertise in the diagnostic field with highly experienced doctors.
Conclusion
The Widal test (Tube Method) is a vital diagnostic tool for typhoid fever. While it has drawbacks, its better accuracy makes it a better choice than the slide method. Widal test results are always interpreted with patient medical history and other laboratory tests.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the Widal test 100% accurate?
No. It is not completely accurate.
When is the best time to do a Widal test?
After 5–7 days of continuous fever.
Can the Widal test be positive without typhoid?
Yes, the widal test comes positive.
How long does the tube method result take?
Usually 24 hours.
Is the Widal Test (Tube Method) painful?
No, Widal Test (Tube Method)is simple non-invasive and involves needle prick for collection of blood samples.
What is the price for the widal test?
The price for the Widal Test (tube method) ranges from INR 200 to INR 600.
Is online booking facility available for Widal Test (Tube Method)in Delhi?
Yes, you can book an online Widal Test (Tube Method)in Delhi.
Is fasting required before the Widal test (tube method)?
No, fasting is not advised prior to the widal test.
Is online booking facility available for Widal Test in Delhi?
Yes, you can book an online Widal Test in Delhi.
Where is the Widal Test Centre near me in Delhi?
Patients can visit City Imaging and Clinical labs for Widal Test or any other type of blood test in Delhi.
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