Widal Test
Also called: Typhoid Widal, Salmonella Antibody Test
Older typhoid screening test — useful in second week of illness, less specific than Typhidot.
- Duration
- 5 min
- Report
- Same day
- Sample
- Blood
- Fasting
- Not needed
What this test is
The Widal test detects antibodies against Salmonella typhi (the typhoid bacterium). It becomes positive from the second week of illness. False positives are common in India where many people have been exposed in childhood — a single elevated titre is not enough to diagnose typhoid. Most physicians now prefer Typhidot for better specificity, but Widal remains widely used and inexpensive.
When you need this test
- Persistent fever for more than 7 days
- Fever with abdominal pain, diarrhoea, and headache
- Stepwise rising fever pattern
How to prepare
- No fasting required.
- Most useful from the second week of fever onwards.
- Mention any typhoid vaccination — it can cause a false positive.
Why DiagnoHouse for this test
NABL-accredited lab
Quality-audited blood, urine, and stool analysis.
Home collection
Free across Pimpri-Chinchwad. Sample picked up at your time slot.
Same-day reports
Most pathology reports ready within 4 hours of collection.
Calibrated equipment
Analysers calibrated daily; quality controls run with every batch.
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Typhidot (Typhoid IgM)
Modern typhoid test — more specific than Widal, positive from the first week of illness.
- Duration
- 5 min
- Report time
- 24 hr report
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- Duration
- 5 min
- Report time
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- Duration
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- Report time
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FAQs
Is Widal accurate?
It has known limitations — false positives and negatives are common. Most reliable when titres are very high (>1:160) or rising on serial tests.Should I do Typhidot instead?
Typhidot is more specific in the first week of fever. Many physicians order both for clearer interpretation.Blood culture vs Widal?
Blood culture (taken in the first week of fever) is the gold standard. Widal is a useful add-on but not a replacement.
Need help choosing?
Not sure if this is the right test for you? Have a doctor's note? Call or WhatsApp — guidance is free.
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