Legionella Antigen, Random, Urine
Use
This test is used as an adjunct to culture for the detection of past or current Legionnaires disease caused by Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1. It provides a means to detect the presence of Legionella antigen in urine, which can aid in the diagnosis of Legionnaires disease, facilitating early and appropriate antimicrobial therapy. The Legionella antigen can be detected in patients as early as 3 days after symptom onset, making it a useful test for early and later stages of the disease.
Special Instructions
This assay has been verified using urine specimens only. For serum specimens, order SLEG / Legionella pneumophila (Legionnaires Disease), Antibody, Serum. Other specimen types (e.g., plasma or body fluids) that may contain Legionella antigen have not been verified for testing. Complete necessary forms if not ordering electronically: Infectious Disease Serology Test Request (T916), Microbiology Test Request (T244).
Limitations
The diagnosis of Legionnaires disease cannot rely solely on clinical or radiological evidence. No single laboratory test is sufficient; culture results, serology, and antigen detection should all be considered with clinical findings. This test does not detect infections caused by other serogroups of Legionella, Legionella micdadei, or Legionella longbeachae. Antigen excretion in urine may vary; some individuals may excrete antigen for extended periods post-infection. Early antibiotic treatment may affect antigen detection. Patient history should be considered.
New York Approved
Methodology
Immunoassay (Lateral Flow)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 32781-7
- 32781-7
Result Turnaround Time
1-2 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Urine
Volume
0.5 mL
Minimum Volume
0.25 mL
Container
Plastic, 10-mL urine tube
Collection Instructions
Collect a random urine specimen. No preservative. Excessively bloody or turbid specimens will be canceled. Do not centrifuge to remove particulates. Specimens with dyes or unnatural color are not accepted.
Causes for Rejection
Gross hemolysis, turbid, dyes/unnaturally colored
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 24 hours |
| Refrigerated | 7 days |
| Frozen | 14 days |