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🧪 What is the Widal Slide Test?

The Widal Slide Test is a rapid serological screening test used to detect agglutinating antibodies (O and H antigens) against Salmonella Typhi and Salmonella Paratyphi in a patient’s serum. The "4 Hours" indicates that the test is designed to provide results within approximately 4 hours.

❓ Why is the Test Done?

To:

Support the diagnosis of typhoid fever in symptomatic patients
Screen for exposure to Salmonella species in endemic areas
Monitor immune response during and after infection

📊 Normal Range / Interpretation

Result	Interpretation
Negative (no agglutination)	No significant antibody levels; unlikely active infection
Positive (agglutination present)	Suggests current or past infection/exposure to Salmonella

📈 Interpretation of Results

Antibody Type	Significance
O antigen (somatic)	Appears early; indicates active or recent infection
H antigen (flagellar)	Appears later; indicates current or past infection

Rising titers on repeated testing confirm diagnosis.

🧠 Associated Conditions

Condition	Details
Typhoid fever	Systemic infection caused by Salmonella Typhi
Paratyphoid fever	Caused by Salmonella Paratyphi serotypes

🔄 Related / Follow-Up Tests

Widal Tube Test – quantitative and more specific
Blood culture – gold standard for diagnosis
PCR for Salmonella DNA – molecular diagnosis

✅ Fasting Required?

Test	Fasting Required
Widal Slide Test (4 Hrs)	❌ No

📝 Summary Table

Parameter	Details
What	Rapid slide agglutination test for Salmonella antibodies
Why	Support diagnosis of typhoid/paratyphoid fever
Normal Result	Negative; no significant agglutination
Positive Result	Presence of O and/or H antibodies; indicates infection or exposure
Associated Conditions	Typhoid and paratyphoid fever
Follow-up Tests	Widal tube test, blood culture, PCR
Fasting Required	❌ No

Widal Slide Test (4Hrs)