Lab test · Infection
Chikungunya IgM Antibody Test
Chikungunya detection
- Blood sample
- No fasting
- Report within 2 days
- Home collection
What this test is for
Chikungunya detection
Chikungunya is a viral infection spread by Aedes mosquitoes, the same mosquitoes that spread dengue. It causes sudden fever and often severe joint pain, sometimes with a rash. This test detects IgM antibodies that the body makes against the virus, which usually appear several days after the illness starts, so a positive result suggests a recent infection.
Why a doctor may order it
- Fever with severe joint pain, especially in the hands, wrists or ankles
- Fever with a rash during the mosquito season
- To help tell chikungunya apart from dengue, which has similar early symptoms
- Joint pain that has lasted weeks after a fever, to find out whether chikungunya was the cause
How to prepare
Fasting: Not needed.
No special preparation is needed. Tell your doctor on which day the fever started, because antibodies take several days to appear and the timing affects how the result is read.
At home
- Sample
- Blood sample
- How it works
- A trained collector draws a small blood sample from a vein in your arm at home, so you do not need to travel while unwell. It takes a few minutes.
- Report
- Within 2 days of collection.
What the results can mean
A positive IgM result supports a recent chikungunya infection. A negative result early in the illness does not rule it out, because the antibodies may not have formed yet, and your doctor may repeat the test. IgM can stay positive for some weeks or months after infection. Your doctor will interpret the result together with your symptoms and tests for dengue.
What's included
One test: Chikungunya IgM Antibody Test, from one blood sample.
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Questions people ask
When should the chikungunya test be done?
IgM antibodies usually become detectable several days after symptoms begin. Testing too early can give a negative result, so your doctor will advise on timing.
How is chikungunya different from dengue?
Both are spread by Aedes mosquitoes and cause fever. Chikungunya is known for severe joint pain that can last a long time, while dengue can lower the platelet count and has a greater risk of serious complications.
Can joint pain continue after chikungunya?
Yes. Some people have joint pain and stiffness for weeks or months after the fever has gone. Talk to your doctor if it continues.
How much does a Chikungunya IgM test cost in Dhaka?
With Mukti Health the price is ৳750, and the sample is collected at your home in Dhaka. You see the price again before you confirm the booking in the Mukti Health app.
Can I do the Chikungunya IgM test at home in Dhaka?
Yes. Book it in the Mukti Health app and a trained sample collector comes to your home in Dhaka to take the blood sample. You do not need to go to a laboratory.
How long does the Chikungunya IgM report take?
The report is usually ready within 2 days of the sample being collected.