S. Pneumoniae
Home Up Legionella Test S. Pneumoniae Flu A and Flu B E. coli Urine Opiates Screen H. Pylori GI Parasite Testing Anticoagulation LeukoPoor Blood hs-crp

 

BINAX NOW Strep pneumoniae Urinary Antigen Test

Laboratory News December 2000

 

INTRODUCTION:

What is Streptococcus pneumoniae? Also known as pneumococcus, Streptococcus pneumoniae is a type of bacteria.

Why test for Streptococcus pneumoniae? Streptococcus pneumoniae (S. pneumoniae) is the leading cause of community acquired bacterial pneumonia in the US. At least 1/2 million cases of pneumococcal pneumonia occur every year in the US and many of these cases require hospitalization. If not detected and treated, S. pneumoniae can lead to other illnesses, such as meningitis or bacteremia. If S. pneumoniae is not properly identified, incorrect or unnecessary antibiotics may be prescribed leading to an increase of antibacterial resistance.

Who should be tested for Streptococcus pneumoniae? Anyone that has the symptoms of pneumonia and/or anyone hospitalized for pneumonia, especially the elderly due to the risk of death from infection (if not treated immediately) or those with a weakened immune system (immunocompromised) should be tested.

INTENDED USE:

Why use the Binax NOW@ test?

The Binax NOW® test offers several benefits:

  1. immediate test results allowing specific treatment to begin right away
  2. earlier diagnosis allows rational and targeted antibiotic therapy thus controlling antibiotic overuse and antibiotic resistance
  3. specific therapy maximizes opportunity for recovery and shortens hospital stay
  4. targeted antibiotics are cost effective compared to broadspectrum drugs
  5. high level of patient comfort as no invasive procedure is necessary to obtain test sample

EXPLANATION:

Using ICT technology, the Binax NOW® test requires a urine sample (urinary antigen test) to determine the presence (or absence) of S. pneumoniae. No invasive procedures are necessary.

Binax's immunochromatographic test (ICT) is comprised of a small, hand-held, card/booklet. When a patient sample is applied, colored lines in the test booklet indicate results.

Once the test booklet is closed, results are available in only fifteen minutes.

PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS:

Sensitivity was 86%, specificity was 94%, and overall accuracy was 93% in clinical tests.

LIMITATIONS OF THE PROCEDURE:

Urine samples should be at room temperature before use in the Binax NOW® test.. The vaccine for S. pneumoniae may interfere with test results; test should not be administered to anyone who has been vaccinated within the last 5 days.

EXPECTED VALUES:

Why should the presence of Streptococcus pneumoniae be determined?

"Streptococcus pneumoniae is responsible for the highest incidence of CAP (Community Acquired Pneumonia) cases, hospitalizations, and mortality, especially among young and older patients (<3 and >65 years of age)". In the US, S. pneumoniae causes 500,000 cases of pneumonia and pneumococcal disease causes an estimated 40,000 deaths annually. In addition, S. pneumoniae can cause a variety of illnesses, including meningitis, ear infections (otitis media) and bacteremia. If not identified and treated, many of these conditions are fatal to the very young, the elderly.

ORDERING:

S. Pneumoniae Urinary Antigen Test