Legionella Antigen, Urine

For Specimen Integrity during Extreme Weather see the “Lockbox Usage in Extreme Weather” document at the top of this page.

LEGUAG

8856

5 mL Urine (minimum 0.5 mL)

Sterile Urine Cup

Room Temperature or Refrigerated

Room Temperature = 1 day
Refrigerated = 14 days
Frozen = at least 7 days

Days Monday - Sunday
BS

1 day

SEX	AGE	Report Normals	Units
N/M/F	1000Y	Negative
This assay is specific for legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 which causes more then 50% of all legionella infections.  This assay will not detect infections caused by other legionella species / serogroups.  Antigenuria may persist for prolonged periods of time.

The detection of Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 urine antigens by EIA is highly sensitive and specific. When combined with serum antibody detection and examination of respiratory secretions the urinary antigen test provides optimal diagnosis. Antigenuria can occur 2-3 days after infection and may persist for prolonged periods after treatment.Regardless of whether a urine antigen test is used culture should always be performed because culture diagnosis continues to be the most sensitive and specific means to diagnose legionnaire's disease. Only serogroup 1 is detected by EIA. Culture must be performed to detect other serogroups.