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Legionella Urine Antigen

Legionella Urine Antigen

The Legionella urine antigen test is a rapid diagnostic tool designed to detect Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 in urine samples, aiding in the early diagnosis of Legionnaires' disease, a severe pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria. Utilizing an immunochromatographic membrane assay, the test identifies the presence of the antigen through antibodies, providing results within 15 minutes. A positive result, indicated by two lines on the test strip, suggests a current or past infection, while a negative result shows only the control line, indicating no recent infection. However, the test is limited to detecting only serogroup 1 and may not identify other Legionella species. Despite these limitations, it is a valuable initial test, especially in the early stages of the disease, and complements culture methods, which remain the gold standard. The test's rapid results are crucial for timely medical intervention and public health management, particularly during outbreaks.

Price of test:£160

The lowest price from the last 30 days: £160

Awaiting result:

2 days

Collect material:

Blood

Prepare:

Learn more

Purpose of the test

The Legionella urine antigen test is a vital diagnostic tool for detecting Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 in urine, aiding in the early diagnosis of Legionnaires' disease. Key points include:

- Methodology: Utilizes an immunochromatographic membrane assay for quick results.
- Specimen Collection: Requires a clean urine sample, free from contaminants.
- Interpretation: Positive results suggest infection; negative results require further testing.
- Clinical Utility: Effective in early detection and monitoring treatment efficacy.
- Limitations: Only detects serogroup 1; influenced by patient treatment history.
- Integration: Complements culture methods for comprehensive diagnosis.

Who Should Get Tested

The Legionella urine antigen test is crucial for diagnosing Legionnaires' disease, a severe pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria. It detects Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 in urine, offering early identification before symptoms worsen. Key points include:

- Methodology: Uses immunochromatographic assay for quick results.
- Specimen: Requires a clean urine sample.
- Results: Positive indicates possible infection; negative doesn't rule out other serogroups.
- Utility: Effective in early detection and treatment monitoring.
- Limitations: Only detects serogroup 1; influenced by patient factors.

Blood Test Preparation Guidelines

Time of day

It is recommended to schedule your appointment for blood tests in the morning hours between 7:00-10:00.

Fasting

It is recommended to fast for approximately 12 hours before blood sampling. The last meal of the previous day should ideally be consumed around 6:00 p.m. On the day before the test, avoid heavy and fatty meals as well as alcohol.

Stay hydrated

Drinking water prior to testing can help with sample collection.

Other factors

Tests should not be performed after a sleepless night or intense physical activity. It is recommended to avoid exercise and stress immediately before blood collection and to not smoke. A short rest is recommended.

Medications and supplements:

Blood samples should be collected before the morning dose. Some drugs can interfere with test results. Consult with your doctor whether you can delay your dose because of lab tests.

Biotin supplements:

High doses of biotin supplements can affect test results, causing false elevation or reduction. It's recommended to avoid taking biotin for at least 72 hours before blood collection. If you are taking biotin, inform the personnel collecting the blood so that they can provide specific instructions.

Interpreting Test Results

Understanding test results is crucial for effective diagnosis and treatment. Here's a brief guide:

- Positive Result: Indicates presence of Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 antigen, suggesting possible Legionnaires' disease. Further culture tests are recommended for confirmation.

- Negative Result: Suggests no recent infection with serogroup 1, but doesn't rule out other serogroups or species. Additional testing may be necessary.

- Clinical Context: Consider patient history and symptoms. Early antibiotic treatment or diuretics may affect results.

- Integration: Use alongside culture and other methods for comprehensive diagnosis.

Price of test:£160

The lowest price from the last 30 days: £160

AI-Powered Insights and Expert Validation

Advanced AI Interpretation

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While our AI provides deep analytical insights, the human touch remains indispensable. Every AI-generated interpretation is meticulously reviewed by experienced medical professionals, ensuring a harmonious blend of advanced technology and expert clinical judgment. This dual-layer approach guarantees that the insights provided are not only technologically sophisticated but also clinically relevant. Our medical experts ensure that the AI's interpretations align with current medical standards and practices, adding a layer of validation that only seasoned healthcare professionals can provide. This process reinforces the reliability of the test results, offering peace of mind to both patients and healthcare providers.

Language Model and Trusted Sources

At the core of Diagu's AI system is an advanced language model, engineered to transform complex medical data into clear, comprehensible, and informative descriptions. This model is adept at articulating detailed test analyses in a way that is accessible to both healthcare professionals and patients. The model's development involved the meticulous processing of high-quality sources, including reputable medical websites, renowned medical textbooks, and peer-reviewed research papers. This ensures that the language used in test descriptions is not only accurate and informative but also up-to-date with the latest medical findings and trends. By leveraging this rich tapestry of trusted sources, our AI system provides a deeper understanding of each test, fostering informed decision-making and enhanced patient care.

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