Latex agglutination test

• urine (see urine collection (clean catch) for adults and children, and urine collection (infants) for infants)
• serum (see venipuncture )
• blood cells (see venipuncture)
• CSF (see lumbar puncture )

Depending on the item under investigation, either an antibody or antigen are attached to a latex sample. If the corresponding antigen or antibody is present, the sample agglutinates (cling together into visible particles). For example, if your health care provider suspects that your child has strep throat , a throat swab is taken, and the sample is applied to a latex sample that has antibodies against the bacteria. If your child has strep throat, that bacteria will be in the sample and will react with the antibodies on the latex causing agglutination. Latex agglutination is quick, and your health care provider should have the results in 15 minutes to an hour.

How to Prepare:
As with any test, your health care provider may limit certain foods or medications shortly before the test to assure accurate test results.

How it Feels:
How the test feels depends on how the sample is collected. Please see the individual topics for information in this area.

Risks:
Risks are associated with how the sample is collected. Please see the individual topics for information in this area.

Why this Test is Performed:
This test is a quick way to determine the absence or presence of an antigen or antibody . Your health care provider will base any intervention for your particular need, at least in part, on the results of this test.

Normal Values:
Normal values reveal no agglutination.

Abnormal Results:
If there is an antigen-antibody match, agglutination will occur.

Cost:
Information not available.

Special Considerations:
Not applicable.