Legionnaires Disease Antibody Assay Test-Why am I having this test?

Legionnaires Disease Antibody Assay Test is odne to diagnose Legionnaires disease.

Legionnaires disease is a bacterial lung infection. You may have this test done if you have symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease and previously tested negative for the bacteria that causes the disease (Legionella pneumophila).

What is being tested?

This test checks your blood for the presence of antibodies to the Legionella pneumophila bacteria.

Antibodies are a type of cell that is part of the body’s disease-fighting (immune) system. After you get an infection, your body makes antibodies that stay in your body after you recover and protect you from getting the same infection again.

What kind of sample is taken?

A blood sample is required for this test. It is usually collected by inserting a needle into a blood vessel.

How are the results reported?

Your test results will be reported as either positive or negative. Positive means that you have the antibody. Negative means that you do not have the antibody.

What do the results mean?

A negative test result is considered normal. This result means that you do not have Legionnaires’ disease.

A positive test result may mean that you have Legionnaires’ disease. Your health care provider may want to do further testing to confirm the test.

Talk with your health care provider about what your results mean.

Questions to ask your health care provider

Ask your health care provider, or the department that is doing the test:

• When will my results be ready?
• How will I get my results?
• What are my treatment options?
• What other tests do I need?
• What are my next steps?

Summary

• Legionnaires’ disease is a bacterial lung infection.
• This test checks your blood for the presence of antibodies to the Legionella pneumophila bacteria. After you get an infection, your body makes antibodies that stay in your body after you recover and protect you from getting the same infection again.
• A negative test result is considered normal.
• A positive test result may mean that you have the infection.