What is the window period for the dengue test?

The window period for the Dengue ELISA test refers to the time between infection and the point at which antibodies or antigens become detectable in the blood. For IgM antibodies, this period is typically 4-7 days after symptom onset, while IgG antibodies appear around the second week of infection and persist for years. The NS1 antigen is usually detectable within the first week of infection, often before antibodies are present. The timing of the test is crucial for accurate results, and testing during the appropriate window period increases the likelihood of detecting the infection. Repeat testing may be necessary if initial results are negative but clinical suspicion remains high.