【SUMMARY】
Chikungunya is a rare viral infection transmitted by the bite of an infected Aedes aegypti mosquito. It is characterized by a rash, fever, and severe joint pain (arthralgias) that usually lasts for three to seven days. The name is derived from the Makonde word meaning ‘that which bends up’ in reference to the stooped posture developed as a result of the arthritic symptoms of the disease. It occurs during the rainy season in tropical areas of the world, primarily in Africa, South-East Asia, southern India and Pakistan.
The symptoms are most often clinically indistinguishable form those observed in dengue fever. Indeed, dual infection of dengue and chikungunya has been reported in India . Unlike dengue, hemorrhagic manifestations are relatively rare and most often the disease is a self limiting febrile
illness. Therefore it is very important to clinically distinguish dengue from CHIK infection. CHIK is diagnosed based on serological analysis and viral isolation in mice or tissue culture. An IgM immunoassay is the most practical lab test method. 

【DIRECTIONS FOR USE】
Allow test cassette, specimen, and/or controls to equilibrate to room temperature (15-30°C) prior to testing. Allow test cassette, specimen, and/or controls to equilibrate to room temperature (15-30°C) prior to testing.
1. Bring the pouch to room temperature before opening it. Remove the test cassette from the sealed pouch and use it as soon as possible. Best results will be obtained if the assay is performed within one hour.
2. Place the cassette on a clean and level surface.
For Serum or Plasma specimen: Hold the dropper vertically and transfer 1 drop of serum or plasma (approximately 40μl) to the specimen area,then add 2 drops of buffer (approximately
80mL),and start the timer, see illustration below.
For Venipuncture Whole Bloodspecimen: Hold the dropper vertically and transfer 1 drop of whole blood (approximately 40μl to the specimen area, then add 2 drops of buffer (approximately 80μl), and start the timer. See illustration below.
For Fingerstick Whole Bloodspecimen:
· To use a capillary tube: Fill the capillary tube and transfer approximately 40μl of fingerstick whole blood specimen to the specimen area of test cassette, then add 2 drops of buffer
(approximately 80mL) and start the timer. See illustration below.
· To use hanging drops: Allow 1 hanging drop of fingerstick whole blood specimen (approximately 40μl) to fall into the specimen area of test cassette, then add 2 drops of buffer (approximately 80μl) and start the timer. See illustration below.
3. Wait for the colored line(s) to appear. Read the result at 15 minutes, do not interpret the result after 20 minutes.