The Binaxnow S pneumoniae test from Inverness Medical is a 15-minute in vitro immunochromatographic assay for the detection of the S pneumoniae antigen in the urine of patients with pneumonia.
The urine-based test allows targeted antibiotic treatment within four hours of admission, enabling improved patient outcomes and lower overall healthcare costs.
Urinary antigen testing for S pneumoniae has several advantages over conventional microbiology testing for the diagnosis of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP).
Sputum samples are difficult to obtain and the yield of both sputum gram stain and culture can be limited particularly if the patient has commenced antibiotic treatment.
It has been recommended that urinary antigen testing for S pneumoniae be incorporated into the testing algorithms of country-specific guidelines for the management of community-acquired pneumonia.
To discuss the importance of rapid testing for respiratory infections, including Influenza A and B, S pneumoniae, Legionella and RSV, visit Inverness Medical on stand C70 in Hall 3 at Medica 2009.
