A fever profile test is a group of urine tests and a complete blood count test. This test can help diagnose unexplained fever or give comprehensive information regarding the medical condition caused by a fever. A fever profile test is useful for identifying a wide range of infections and other conditions that can cause fever so it can be treated on time.
Fever is a common symptom of many different illnesses. A fever profile test involves urine and blood analysis that can help doctors find out the cause of the fever and recommend appropriate treatment. This test is often prescribed to individuals having symptoms like fever, chills, headache, sore eyes, fatigue, loss of appetite, etc. Here is everything you need to know about the fever profile test:
When Is Fever Profile Test Recommended?
Doctors may order a fever profile test for various reasons:
- To get to the root cause of unusual fever, especially high or persistent
- To identify specific infections like malaria, dengue, typhoid fever (in addition to other tests)
- To assess the overall health and figure out any underlying conditions that might be causing fever
What Does the Test Measure?
A fever profile test typically includes several blood tests, such as
A complete blood count test – This test measures different components of blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Abnormal results can indicate chances of infection
Malaria Antigen – This test detects the presence of parasites in the blood, causing fever.
Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) – This test checks the ability of red blood cells to settle at the bottom of a test tube. A high ESR can indicate inflammation, causing various conditions, including infections.
Urine Examinations – This test helps check the signs of any infection or abnormalities
By analysing the results of these tests, doctors can get a better understanding of the underlying cause of the fever and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan.
Preparation for Fever Profile Test
To prepare for the fever profile test one should first ask their healthcare provider about the procedure, and if it requires the patient to fast for 8-10 hours before sample collection. To avoid dehydration, one should keep drinking water, even while they are on a fast. It is also important to inform the healthcare provider about any medication the patient takes.
Receiving Results and Treatment
Once the test results are out, the doctor will be the best person to interpret and discuss them with the patient. A doctor can recommend medications for managing the fever and suggest rest, increased fluid intake, and a healthy diet. Taking the test from a reliable pathology lab is important as it ensures reliable and accurate test results.