Streptococcus pneumoniae Antigen, Urine
Test Mnemonic
SPNAG
CPT Codes
- 87899 - QTY (1)
Aliases
- Pneumococcal Antigen
- S. pneumoniae
- Streptococcus pneumoniae
- S. pneumo
- Pneumococcal Pneumonia
Performing Laboratory
Cleveland Clinic Laboratories
Specimen Requirements
| Volume | Type | Container | Collect Temperature | Transport Temperature | Special Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 mL | Urine, random | Clean container | Refrigerated | Preferred specimen is urine collected in a clean or sterile leak-proof container. Boric acid preserved urine is also acceptable. Urine received in other preservatives will be rejected. Transport temperature: refrigerated or frozen is acceptable. Specimens transported at ambient temperature must be delivered to Microbiology within 24 hours. |
Minimum Specimen Requirements
| Volume | Type | Container | Collect Temperature | Transport Temperature | Special Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.5 mL |
Stability
| Environmental Condition | Description |
|---|---|
| Ambient | 24 hours |
| Refrigerated | 14 days |
| Frozen | 14 days |
Days Performed
Sun - Sat
Turnaround Time
24 hours
Methodology
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Immunochromatography |
Reference Range
Special Info
A positive result is presumptive evidence of pneumococcal pneumonia. Correlation of test results with clinical findings is required. A negative result does not exclude infection by S. pneumoniae since the antigen present in the sample may be below the detection limit of the test. This test has not been evaluated on patients taking antibiotics for more than one day, or on patients who recently completed a course of antibiotic therapy. Cross-reactivity with closely related bacteria in the Streptococcus mitis group may occur. Streptococcus pneumoniae vaccine may cause false positive results within two days following vaccination and testing is not recommended within five days following pneumococcal vaccination. This test has only been validated for urine samples. Antigen testing is not recommended for the diagnosis of pneumococcal pneumonia in children.
Clinical Info
Streptococcus pneumoniae is a common causative agent of community acquired pneumonia (CAP). Rapid diagnosis and appropriate antibiotic therapy are needed to prevent significant morbidity and mortality. Sputum and blood cultures are recommended for the evaluation of patients with suspected CAP. Antigen tests may be useful when empiric antimicrobial therapy prevents culture confirmation of pneumococcal disease. Antigen testing has a specificity of >90% and a sensitivity of 50 - 80% for the diagnosis of pneumococcal pneumonia in adults (CID 2007; 44:S27-72). Urinary antigen tests are not recommended for the diagnosis of pneumococcal pneumonia in children because false positive tests are common (CID 2011; 53:e25-e76).