Special Precautions/Comments:

N.B. This assay has not been evaluated on the urine of patients taking antibiotics for greater than 24 hours or on patients who have recently completed an antibiotic regimen.

Method: Immunofluorescent in vitro diagnostic assay test for the detection of Streptococcus
pneumoniae 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. All positive results will be reviewed by the Consultant Microbiologist.

Additional Information:

Background information:  Streptococcus pneumoniae (SPN) is the leading cause of community acquired pneumonia. SPN can cause a wide spectrum of illnesses from upper respiratory tract infection to invasive pneumococcal disease. SPN infection is also associated with high mortality, an estimated 1.6 million people die of pneumococcal diseases each year worldwide and approximately 1 million of these deaths are in children under five years of age. This test provides a simple, rapid non-invasive method to help in the diagnosis of pneumonia using urine specimens.

Keywords: Pneumonia, Strep, pneumococcal, legionella, legionnaires