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HelpTest ID LAGU Legionella Antigen, Random, Urine
Ordering Guidance
This assay has been verified using urine specimens only. For serum specimens, order SLEG / Legionella pneumophila (Legionnaires Disease), Antibody, Serum.
Other specimen types (eg, plasma or body fluids) that may contain Legionella antigen have not been verified for testing.
Specimen Required
Supplies: Urine Tubes, 10 mL (T068)
Container/Tube: Plastic, 10-mL urine tube
Specimen Volume: 0.5 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Collect a random urine specimen.
2. No preservative.
3. Excessively bloody or very turbid specimens containing protein, cells, or particulates will be canceled. They can inhibit the function of the test.
4. Centrifuging to remove particulates is not approved.
5. Specimens with any dyes or unnatural color are not acceptable and will be canceled.
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send 1 of the following with the specimen:
-Infectious Disease Serology Test Request (T916)
-Microbiology Test Request (T732)
Secondary ID
81268Useful For
An adjunct to culture for the detection of past or current Legionnaires disease (Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1)
Method Name
Immunochromatographic Membrane Assay
Reporting Name
Legionella Ag, USpecimen Type
UrineSpecimen Minimum Volume
0.25 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Urine | Refrigerated (preferred) | 7 days |
| Frozen | 14 days | |
| Ambient | 24 hours |
Clinical Information
Legionnaires disease, named after the outbreak in 1976 at the American Legion convention in Philadelphia, is caused by Legionella pneumophila and is an acute febrile respiratory illness ranging in severity from mild illness to fatal pneumonia. Since that time, it has been recognized that the disease occurs in both epidemic and endemic forms, and that sporadic cases are not readily differentiated from other respiratory infections by clinical symptoms. It is estimated that about 25,000 to 100,000 Legionella infections occur annually. Known risk factors include immunosuppression, cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption, and concomitant pulmonary disease. The resulting mortality rate, which ranges up to 40% in untreated immunocompetent patients, can be lowered if the disease can be rapidly diagnosed and appropriate antimicrobial therapy instituted early. L pneumophila is estimated to be responsible for 80% to 85% of reported cases of Legionella infections with the majority of cases being caused by L pneumophila serogroup 1 alone.
A variety of laboratory techniques (culture, direct fluorescent antibody, DNA probes, immunoassay, antigen detection), using a variety of specimen types (respiratory specimens, serum, urine), have been used to help diagnose Legionella pneumonia. Respiratory specimens are preferred. Unfortunately, one of the presenting signs of Legionnaires disease is the relative lack of productive sputum. This necessitates the use of invasive procedures to obtain adequate specimens (eg, bronchial washing, transtracheal aspirate, lung biopsy) in many patients. Serology may also be used but is often retrospective in nature.
It was shown as early as 1979 that a specific soluble antigen was present in the urine of patients with Legionnaires disease.(1) The presence of Legionella antigen in urine makes this an ideal specimen for collection, transport, and subsequent detection in early, as well as later, stages of the disease. The antigen may be detectable in the urine as early as 3 days after onset of symptoms.
Reference Values
Negative
Cautions
The diagnosis of Legionnaires disease cannot be based on clinical or radiological evidence alone. There is no single satisfactory laboratory test for Legionnaires disease. Culture results, serology, and antigen detection methods should all be used in conjunction with clinical findings for diagnosis.
The Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 will not detect infections caused by other serogroups, Legionella micdadei or Legionella longbeachae. Culture is recommended for suspected pneumonia to detect causative agents other than L pneumophila serogroup 1 and to confirm infection.
Excretion of Legionella antigen in urine may vary among patients, depending on their underlying illness or treatment. Some individuals have been shown to excrete antigen for extended periods of time (up to 1 year after acute infection) and positivity may, therefore, indicate previous infection rather than current infection. Early treatment with appropriate antibiotics may decrease antigen excretion in some individuals, and the use of diuretics may affect the ability of the test to detect antigen. Consequently, patient history (eg, a history of a recent respiratory illness compatible with Legionnaires disease) must be considered when evaluating results.
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Friday
Report Available
1 to 2 daysPerforming Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
Test Classification
This test has been cleared, approved, or is exempt by the US Food and Drug Administration and is used per manufacturer's instructions. Performance characteristics were verified by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements.CPT Code Information
87899