What this test measures
Dengue IgM is the immunoglobulin-M class antibody against dengue virus. It appears from day 4–5 of fever, peaks at 2–3 weeks, and persists for about 2–3 months. The NIV Pune MAC-ELISA (IgM antibody capture ELISA) is the reference Indian assay and the basis of NCDC surveillance.
IgM is the standard serological marker for recent dengue. It is more sensitive in primary infection than in secondary (where IgG dominates). In secondary infection, IgM may be modest while IgG rises sharply.
Why it matters
India has annual monsoon-season dengue outbreaks. Dengue IgM is the most ordered confirmatory test for dengue after day 5 of fever, when NS1 sensitivity drops. NIV-validated MAC-ELISA is the gold standard recommended by NCDC India for outbreak surveillance, hospital admission decisions, and atypical or severe cases.
IgM rapid card tests are widely used in OPDs and fever camps; ELISA/CLIA confirmation is recommended for pregnant women, severe cases, neonates, and outbreak reporting. Combined with NS1 and IgG, the full dengue profile is the most informative panel.
How to prepare
No fasting required. The test uses serum or plasma. Mention day of fever onset, prior dengue history, and any dengue vaccination.
Markers & reference ranges
Reference ranges below are typical adult values. Your lab's reported range may differ slightly based on the assay platform and patient demographics — always read your report against the range printed on it.
| Marker | Normal range | If low | If high |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anti-Dengue IgM (ELISA) (OD or Index / Reactive-Non-reactive)[1][2] | Non-reactive (Negative) | Non-reactive — no recent dengue antibody detected. If fever started < 5 days ago, IgM may be too early — combine with NS1. Consider other causes: chikungunya, malaria, typhoid, leptospirosis. | Reactive — recent dengue infection (day 5+ of fever). Daily monitoring of platelets and warning signs. Supportive care with paracetamol (avoid NSAIDs/aspirin), hydration. Severe or pregnant cases need hospital monitoring. |
When dengue IgM ELISA is the right test
| Day of fever | Test to choose | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1–4 | NS1 antigen | IgM not yet developed |
| Day 5–7 | NS1 + IgM | Transition window — both useful |
| Day 7–21 | IgM ELISA (MAC-ELISA) | Peak IgM; highest sensitivity |
| Day 21+ | IgM + IgG | IgM declining |
| Months later | IgG only | Past infection marker |
Frequently asked questions
How accurate is dengue IgM ELISA?
NIV MAC-ELISA has sensitivity > 95% and specificity > 98% after day 5 of fever. It is the reference standard for dengue serology in India.
My IgM is positive — when can I expect to feel better?
Acute symptoms usually resolve by days 7–10 in uncomplicated dengue. Watch for warning signs (severe abdominal pain, bleeding, lethargy) which can appear around day 4–7 — the critical phase.
How long does IgM stay positive?
2–3 months typically. A positive IgM does not always mean current fever is from dengue.
Why is ELISA preferred over rapid test?
Higher sensitivity and specificity, ICMR validation, accepted for outbreak surveillance and severe-case reporting. Rapid tests are good for triage but should be confirmed by ELISA in severe or pregnant cases.
Can dengue IgM cross-react with chikungunya or Zika?
Cross-reactivity with other flaviviruses is possible. NIV uses specific assays to minimise this. Clinical correlation with NS1 and PCR helps in unclear cases.
Should pregnant women with fever be tested?
Yes — dengue in pregnancy needs close monitoring. Vertical transmission can occur, especially near delivery. Hospital admission and obstetric input are usually appropriate.
What if both NS1 and IgM are negative but I still have dengue-like symptoms?
Consider chikungunya, malaria, typhoid, leptospirosis, and other causes. Repeat IgM after a few days if dengue remains likely.
Related Infectious Disease tests
Tests commonly ordered alongside DENGUE-IGM, or that help interpret an unexpected result.
Sources & references
- NIV Pune — Dengue MAC-ELISA · accessed 2026-05-30T00:00:00.000Z
- NCDC India — Dengue · accessed 2026-05-30T00:00:00.000Z
- WHO — Dengue Fact Sheet · accessed 2026-05-30T00:00:00.000Z
- ICMR India — Dengue Guidelines · accessed 2026-05-30T00:00:00.000Z
Book with Zelnoo
Get your DENGUE-IGM test done at home — transparent prices, NABL-accredited labs.
Zelnoo lets you compare diagnostic test prices across NABL-accredited labs in Mumbai & Thane, book a free home phlebotomist visit, and receive digital reports in 24–48 hours into a consent-first report vault. No subscriptions, no membership fees — pay only for the test you book.
Book DENGUE-IGM now