Legionella urinary antigen detection

Pathology category

Microbiology - Virology

Code

LEGU

Referral code

Request form

ICE request form. Relevant clinical details, including CURB-65 score, travel history, details of any immunosuppression and date of onset of symptoms should be included on the request form.

Test information

This is an antigen-based test that only detects serogroup 1 Legionella. Note it does NOT pick up other serogroups and therefore a negative test does NOT exclude Legionnaires’ disease. Please discuss further with medical microbiologist if the test is negative but the clinical suspicion remains high. Generally available in cases of definite Pneumonia. Tests performed in a UKAS Accredited Medical Laboratory No. 8873.

Guidelines

Pre-analytical

Specimen MUST reach the lab within 24 hours of collection. If a delay occurs, please refrigerate specimen at 2-8°C until the specimen can be transported to the laboratory.

Reference range

Tube type

Tube type info

Universal urine container

Special requirements

Legionella urine testing is only performed routinely on inpatient samples, it is generally available in cases of definite Pneumonia. If Legionnaires’ disease or Pontiac fever is suspected in a patient in primary care, the GP must discuss the patient with PHE before sending the sample to the laboratory for testing.

Minimum volume

5ml

Assay frequency

Daily

TAT Inpatient (urgent)

24 hours

TAT Inpatient

24 - 48 Hours

TAT GP/Outpatient

N/A

Referral lab