MERISCREEN® Dengue NS1 Ag — Early Detection From Day 1 of Fever
MERISCREEN® Dengue NS1 Ag is a one-step, rapid immunochromatographic assay for the qualitative detection of Dengue NS1 antigen in human serum or plasma. NS1 antigen is detectable from Day 1 of fever onset through Day 9 — before antibodies appear — making this the frontline test for early dengue diagnosis and clinical triage.
How It Works
The test cassette uses monoclonal antibodies specific to Dengue NS1 antigen, conjugated with colloidal gold. When 90–100 µL of patient serum/plasma is applied via the dropper, NS1 antigen (if present) binds to the anti-NS1 gold conjugate, forming an antigen-antibody complex. This complex migrates along the membrane and is captured at the test line, producing a visible pink/red band within 20 minutes. A procedural control line validates each test. No sample preparation, no instruments, no electricity required.
Key Advantages
Day 1 Detection: NS1 antigen appears within 24 hours of fever onset — the earliest serological marker for dengue, detectable before IgM/IgG seroconversion
All 4 Serotypes: Detects NS1 from DEN-1, DEN-2, DEN-3, and DEN-4 using monoclonal antibody capture
High Performance: Sensitivity ≥95%, Specificity ≥95% — comparable to ELISA-based NS1 at a fraction of the cost and turnaround
No Sample Prep: Direct application of serum/plasma — no centrifugation, dilution, or pre-treatment steps
Rapid Results: Visual read at 20 minutes — ideal for high-throughput fever clinics and emergency settings
Extended Shelf Life: 24 months at 2–30°C — superior stability for tropical supply chains and remote field deployment
Clinical Applications
First-line screening in fever OPDs, emergency departments, and PHCs during dengue season (July–November)
Early diagnosis from Day 1–9 of fever — before antibody window opens
Pre-seroconversion detection — critical for initiating fluid management and platelet monitoring early
NVBDCP sentinel surveillance and outbreak response programs
Blood bank screening in dengue-endemic regions
Complement to IgG/IgM testing (RPDDAB-01) for complete dengue diagnostic coverage across all fever days
When to Use This Test
NS1 antigen is the earliest detectable marker for dengue — present from Day 1 and persisting up to Day 9 after fever onset. It is most effective during the acute febrile phase (Day 1–7) before the immune system produces detectable antibodies. For patients presenting after Day 5, combine with IgG/IgM antibody testing (RPDDAB-01) to cover the full diagnostic window. For complete Day 1 coverage through convalescence, use the Dengue Onset combo (RPDDON-01) which combines NS1 Ag + IgG/IgM in a single cassette.
Product Specifications
SKU
RPDDAG-01
Pack Size
10 Tests
Assay Format
Rapid Immunochromatographic Assay (Lateral Flow)
Detection Target
Dengue NS1 Antigen (Non-Structural Protein 1)
Serotype Coverage
DEN-1, DEN-2, DEN-3, DEN-4
Sample Type
Serum, Plasma
Sample Volume
90–100 µL (2 drops via dropper)
Result Time
20 minutes
Sensitivity
≥95%
Specificity
≥95%
Storage
2–30°C (no cold chain required)
Shelf Life
24 months
HSN Code
3006
GST
5% (inclusive in listed price)
Manufacturer
Meril Diagnostics Pvt. Ltd., India
Kit Contents
10 individually sealed test cassettes
10 droppers / micropipettes
1 bottle assay buffer
1 package insert / IFU
Interpretation Guide
Result
Lines Visible
Interpretation
Negative
C only
No detectable NS1 antigen — does not rule out dengue (test IgG/IgM if Day 5+)
Positive
C + T
Active dengue infection confirmed — initiate clinical management