Rota Virus Antigen Test

Rota virus infection is the most common and major cause of chronic gastroenteritis in children. Many times, even infants get affected by rotavirus infection. This is also referred as infectious diarrhea, which is common in kids. Rota virus antigen test involves detection of rotavirus in the feces. The viral infection impact and creates a myriad of responses, from mild to severe. It causes mild clinical infection, acute to severe diarrhea and even dehydration. Rotavirus is one of the major causes of nosocomial infections. In addition to kids, even elders with poor health and immunity suppressed patients, prone to this infection.

There is no special preparation needed to take this test. The test involves collection of feces from the infection patient. In addition, there is no need to follow any specific diet routine or get the sample for test in an empty stomach. Since this may turn out to be one of the critical conditions causing dehydration, no special preparations is required. THe patients should collect the feces and send it for examination. However, there may be recommendations or restrictions for intake of foods and drinks due to upset stomach and diarrhea.

As stated in the beginning, the test detects the presence of rotavirus in the feces, which is the major cause of diarrhea. Most labs provide results on the same day, considering the condition may turn chronic. Generally it will take from a day to maximum of two days to examine and send the report. Based on the lab results, patients shall receive appropriate drugs for the infection. The doctors administer anti-viral medicines and antibiotics to the patients based on the lab result.

It is easy to collect the feces in younger children and infants. Placing a plastic wrap inside the diaper helps collecting the feces. In case of others, place a plastic wrap on the toilet seat and catch the stool. A special toilet tissue is also provided, which comes in form of kits exclusively for this test. You can collect the feces in the tissue and store in the container. Remember that the sample must be collected while passing loose stools.