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Evaluation of a latex test for rapid detection of pneumococcal antigens in sputum
1Food and Drug Administration, Kensington, Maryland 20895.
Abstract:
A latex agglutination test (Directigen) for detection of pneumococcal capsular polysaccharide antigens in sputum was evaluated in comparison to culture and Gram stain using 121 sputum specimens. The sensitivity, specificity and rate of agreement of the latex test compared to culture were 90%, 79% and 81%, respectively. The results suggest that the latex test may be useful for detecting pneumococcal antigen in sputum.