Rapid Point-of-care Tests
Rapid Point-of-care Tests. Designed for use by healthcare professionals only in hospitals, clinics, laboratories and other point-ofcare settings, the Binax NOW Streptococcus pneumoniae test and Legionella test are easy-to-use, rapid, urine-based tests for the detection of pneumonia and Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 antigen that aid physicians to accurately diagnose infection.
This helps prevent the spread of the diseases, ensures that treatment is targeted appropriately and cost effectively, thus reducing the risk of increased antibiotic resistance. The S. pneumoniae antigen test can provide healthcare professionals with an accurate indication of an atypical pneumonia in just 15 minutes. Sample collection of blood and sputum is not straightforward and laboratory culture may fail to detect the disease. Sputum samples have to be evaluated first to eliminate saliva contamination, and around 10%-30% of patients may have a non-productive cough. Failure to detect bacteria in blood samples is not uncommon as many patients are not bacteraemic. Bacterial carbohydrates from patients with S. pneumoniae and patients with Legionella are present in urine samples and can be accurately detected using these kits.
Rapid Point-of-care Tests
Inverness Medical
