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Legionella Urinary Antigen
Test CodeLEG
Alias/See Also
Legionnaires, Legionella, Urine Antigen
CPT Codes
87449
Preferred Specimen
Urine
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Specimen Stability
Refrigerated urine specimens may be stored at 2-8°C for up to 14 days or at -10°C to -20°C for longer periods before testing.
Long term storage conditions have not been determined.
Boric acid may be used as a preservative. Other preservatives have not been evaluated. When necessary, urine specimens should be shipped in leakproof containers at 2-8°C or frozen. Allow all specimens to equlibrate to room temperature before testing.
Setup Schedule
24x7
Reference Range
Negative: Presumptive negative for L. pneumpohila serogroup 1 antigen in urine, suggesting no recent or current infection. Infection due to Legionella cannot be ruled out since other serogroups and species may cause disease, antigen may not be present in urine in early infection, and the level of antigen present in the urine may be below the detection limit of the test.
Clinical Significance
The Binax NOW . Legionella Urinary Antigen Test is an in vitro rapid immunochromatographic assay for the qualitative detection of Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 antigen (L. pneumophila serogroup 1 antigen) in urine specimens from patients with symptoms of pneumonia. It is intended to aid in the presumptive diagnosis of Legionella infection (Legionnaires’ Disease) caused by L. pneumophila serogroup 1 in conjunction with culture and other methods.
The diagnosis of Legionnaires’ Disease cannot be based on clinical or radiological evidence alone. There is no single satisfactory laboratory test for Legionnaires’ Disease. Therefore, culture results, serology and antigen detection methods should be used in conjunction with clinical findings to make an accurate diagnosis. Excretion of Legionella antigen in urine may vary depending on the individual patient. Antigen excretion may begin as early as 3 days after onset of symptoms and persist for up to 1 year afterwards. A positive result can occur due to current or past infection and therefore is not definitive for infection without other supporting evidence.
The diagnosis of Legionnaires’ Disease cannot be based on clinical or radiological evidence alone. There is no single satisfactory laboratory test for Legionnaires’ Disease. Therefore, culture results, serology and antigen detection methods should be used in conjunction with clinical findings to make an accurate diagnosis. Excretion of Legionella antigen in urine may vary depending on the individual patient. Antigen excretion may begin as early as 3 days after onset of symptoms and persist for up to 1 year afterwards. A positive result can occur due to current or past infection and therefore is not definitive for infection without other supporting evidence.
Performing Laboratory
CRMC Microbiology Laboratory
