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Legionella antigen (urine)

Legionella antigen (urine)

Code:
LEGAG

Sample Type:

Universal Container (30ml Plastic White/Green Top)

Urine Collection Tube with Boric Acid (Plastic Red Top)

Ref Ranges/Units:

N/A

Turnaround:

1 – 2 days

Send to laboratory within 24hrs from the time of specimen collection. If delays likely, refrigerate at 2 to 8 °C

Special Precautions/Comments:

Method: Immunofluorescent in vitro diagnostic assay test for the detection of Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 antigen. Calibration: Equipment calibrated using supplier provided calibration supplies (Quidel). EQA scheme: UKNEQAS. IQC: Quidel commercial preparations.

Interpretation: Results are reported as NOT detected or DETECTED. Antigen may not be present in early infection and may be present at a level below the detection limit of the test. All negative results are therefore presumptive. Positive results are reported as presumptive until confirmed by a reference laboratory (UKHSA Colindale. Turnaround 8-10 days). All positive results will be reviewed by the Consultant Microbiologist.

Additional Information:

Background information: Legionella pneumophila is the cause of Legionnaires’ disease, an acute febrile illness which can range from mild illness to fatal pneumonia. Previously diagnosis has depended on culture or serology, usually of bronchial lavage or obtaining paired sera for serology. Legionella urine antigen is excreted after 3 days of infection and up to 1 year afterwards. The detection of Legionella Urine Antigen (Serotype 1) allows rapid diagnosis and is important to inform the clinical picture and to guide further patient management. This test provides a simple, rapid non-invasive method to help in the diagnosis of Legionnaires’ disease using urine specimens.