Legionella pneumophila (Legionnaires Disease), Antibody, Serum
Use
The test is useful for evaluating possible legionellosis, which includes conditions such as Legionnaires disease, Pontiac fever, and extrapulmonary legionella infection caused by Legionella pneumophila. It is an essential diagnostic tool for assessing prior exposure or confirming infection, offering critical insights into whether the patient has encountered Legionella pneumophila.
Special Instructions
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send Infectious Disease Serology Test Request (T916) with the specimen. Specimens with equivocal results are retested before reporting.
Limitations
The test results for Legionella antibodies should be interpreted along with the clinical evaluation and other diagnostic procedures. Positive results cannot identify the species and may result from cross-reactivity with antibodies due to infections by other Legionella species or other organisms. False negatives can occur if testing is conducted too early in the disease course or due to suppressed antibody response. The assay's performance is not established for matrices other than sera, and cross-reactivity with non-Legionella infections is possible.
New York Approved
Methodology
Immunoassay (ELISA)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 7947-5
- 7947-5
Result Turnaround Time
1-7 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
0.5 mL
Minimum Volume
0.4 mL
Container
Plastic vial
Collection Instructions
Centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial.
Causes for Rejection
Gross hemolysis, gross lipemia, heat-inactivated specimen
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Refrigerated | 14 days |
| Frozen | 14 days |