Synonyms
- Legionella Antigen
- FA Smear for Legionella pneumophila
Expected Turnaround Time
2 - 5 days
Turnaround time is defined as the usual number of days from the date of pickup of a specimen for testing to when the result is released to the ordering provider. In some cases, additional time should be allowed for additional confirmatory or additional reflex tests. Testing schedules may vary.
Related Information
Related Documents
Specimen Requirements
Specimen
Lung biopsy, lung exudate, pleural fluid, transtracheal aspirate, sputum, bronchial washing
Volume
1 mL lung exudate or 1 cc lung biopsy
Container
Sterile leakproof container or slides
Collection
Contamination with normal flora from skin or other body surfaces should be avoided.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerate. Maintain specimen at 2°C to 8°C, and transport to the laboratory within 24 hours of collection.
Causes for Rejection
Swab specimen; inappropriate specimen transport device; improper labeling; specimen received after prolonged delay (usually more than 72 hours); environmental water samples such as air conditioning/cooling towers
Test Details
Use
Determine the presence of Legionella pneumophila organisms in direct FA smear of specimen, providing rapid diagnosis
Limitations
Test does not include Legionella species other than L pneumophila.
Methodology
Direct fluorescent antibody (DFA)
Reference Interval
No Legionella pneumophila detected
Additional Information
Community-acquired and nosocomial infections caused by multiple serogroups of Legionella are increasingly recognized. Although culture is now possible on buffered charcoal yeast extract agar, the demonstration of organisms in tissue or brushings is the fastest way to make the diagnosis. It also has the advantage of applicability to specimens contaminated with other bacteria. Development of monoclonal antibodies have increased sensitivity and specificity. False-positive reaction has been reported in a case of pleuropulmonary tularemia and in cases of Campylobacter infection.
References
Andersen LP, Bangsborg J. Crossreactions between Legionella and Campylobacter spp.Lancet. 1992 Jul 25; 340(8813):245. 1353168
Edelstein PH, Beer KB, Sturge JC, Watson AJ, Goldstein LC. Clinical utility of a monoclonal direct fluorescent reagent specific for Legionella pneumophila: Comparative study with other reagents. J Clin Microbiol. 1985 Sep; 22(3):419-421. 3900129
Friedman H, Wider R, Klein T. Immunodiagnostic assays for Legionellosis. Lab Management. 1983; 21:19-23.
Hart CA, Makin T. Legionella in hospitals: A review. J Hosp Infect. 1991 Jun; 18(Suppl A): 481-489. 1679819
Hicklin MD, Thomason BM, Chandler FW, Blackmon JA. Pathogenesis of acute Legionnaires' disease pneumonia. Am J Clin Pathol. 1980 Apr; 73(4):480-487. 6989229
Roy TM, Fleming D, Anderson WH. Tularemic pneumonia mimicking Legionnaires' disease with false-positive direct fluorescent antibody stains for Legionella.South Med J. 1989 Nov; 82(11):1429-1431. 2683131
LOINC® Map
| Order Code | Order Code Name | Order Loinc | Result Code | Result Code Name | UofM | Result LOINC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 085506 | Legionella pneumophila DFA | 89594-6 | 085506 | Legionella pneumophila DFA | 89594-6 |
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