Test description
Passive agglutination for the main STEC serogroups: O26, O103, O111, O121, O145, O157.
Purpose of the test
Diagnosis of recent STEC infection in HUS patients who are negative for STEC in stool because of the interval between the preceding diarrhoeal episode and symptoms of HUS.
The exact performance of this test is unknown. The interpretation is always subject to change and the only indication is to provide a suspected aetiology in cases with a high degree of suspicion of STEC infection, i.e. in HUS patients.
Criteria for performing this test in the context of reference activities
This test is strictly reserved for patients with HUS.
Sample collection: Serum, minimum volume 0.5 ml.
In general, antibodies are already present when the patient is admitted with HUS, but a second sample can be examined after 2 weeks if the first sample gave negative results.
Transport: Transport without refrigeration according to UN3373
The NRC does not distribute material.
Unacceptable requests
Indications:
Only samples from HUS patients will be accepted.
Sample collection
Plasma is not suitable for this test.
Turnaround time (and frequency of analysis)
Max. 2 working days
Reporting of results
- Via post
- Via Medibridge for laboratories and prescribers with a connection to the UZ Brussel