The Widal test looks for antibodies against the typhoid bacteria in your blood. It is a supportive test — helpful but with real limitations.
| Measure | Range |
|---|---|
| O antigen titre | Significant if ≥ 1:160 (lab-dependent) |
| H antigen titre | Significant if ≥ 1:160 (lab-dependent) |
| Best confirmation | Blood culture (gold standard) |
It is only supportive. It can be falsely positive (past infection, vaccination, other illnesses) or falsely negative early on. A single high titre is weaker than a rising one; blood culture is the gold standard.
A blood culture in the first week is the most reliable test. Widal is used where culture is not available, interpreted with symptoms and, ideally, paired samples a week apart.
MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.