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Unit Code 110240:
Haemophilus influenzae (Latex), Serum

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Useful For

Rapid screening for Haemophilus influenzae type B sepsis

 

The test should not be used to diagnose sepsis; culture is necessary.

 

Clinical Information

Sepsis is a serious medical illness that requires prompt treatment.

Diagnosis depends on clinical findings and culture. Latex

agglutination tests have been developed to rapidly identify

bacterial antigens.

 

Streptococcus group B and Escherichia coli  K1 are two of the

most common causes of neonatal sepsis.In older age groups the

most common isolates are Haemophilus influenzae  type b,

Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Neisseria meningitidis groups.

 

 

Reference Values

Negative

Interpretation

A positive result suggests the presence of Haemophilus

influenzae antigens in the serum. However, examples have been

reported of unrelated bacteria which possess common antigens.

As with any immunological test, the possibility of false positives

due to cross reactions cannot be ruled out.

 

A negative result suggests the absence of Haemophilus influenzae

antigens. However, it does not eliminate the possibility of an

infection caused by this organism. If symptoms are present, cultures

are indicated.

 

Cautions

Tests performed directly on clinical specimens are intended for

screening purposes and do not replace the need for culture.

 

False-positive and false-negative results may occur.

 

 

Clinical Reference

Tunkel AR, Scheld WM:  Pathogenesis and pathophysiology of

bacterial meningitis. Clin Microbiol Rev 1993; 6:118-136

 

Key