Reference Values

Negative

Limitations:

-This test cannot be used on sample types other than urine.

-This test will not detect infections casued by L. pmeumophilia serogroups other than serogroup 1 or other Legionella species.

-A negative result does not exclude infection with L. pneumophilia serogroup 1. Culture is recommended for suspected pneumonia to detect causative agents other than L. pneumophilia serogroup 1.

-The diagnosis of Legionnaires’ Disease cannot be based on clinical or radiological evidence alone.  There is no single satisfactory laboratory test for Legionnaires’ Disease. Therefore, culture results, serology and antigen detection methods should be used in conjunction with clincial findings to make an accurate diagnosis.

-Excretion of Legionella antigen in urine may vary depending on the individual patient. Antigen excretion may begin as early as 3 days after onset of symptoms and persist for up to one year afterwards.  A positive Binax NOW Legionella Urinary Antigen Test result can occur due to current or past infection and therefore is not definitive for infection without other supporting evidence.

-Performance of the NOW test on diuretic urine has not been evaluated.

-The Binax NOW test has been evaluated on hospitalized patients only. An outpatient population has not been tested.