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Microagglutination test (MAT)

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Requisition Forms

Reference Details

Description:

Detection of agglutinating antibodies to Leptospira spp. by MAT.

 

Test Category:
Serology
Pathogen:
Leptospira spp.
Laboratory:
Illnesses and Diseases:
  • Leptospirosis
Specimen:

Fresh human serum.

Minimum volume required is 0.25 mL.

Icteric, hyperlipaemic, haemolysed or contaminated sera may yield erroneous results.

 

Collection Method:

Collect blood in serum separator tubes.

Specimen Processing, Storage and Shipping:

Transfer an aliquot of serum to a 1.5 mL screw-top vial with O-ring (Sarstedt vial). Store specimen refrigerated up to five days or store frozen until shipped for testing. Ship frozen on dry ice or with freezer packs.

Transportation of Dangerous Goods:

Shipping of specimens shall be done by a TDG certified individual in accordance with TDG regulations. For additional information regarding classification of specimens for the purposes of shipping, consult either Part 2 Appendix 3 of the TDG Regulations or section 3.6.2 of the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations as applicable.

 

Patient Criteria:

Symptoms of Leptospira spp. infection may include fever, headache, chills, severe malaise, skin rash, vomiting, diarrhoea, myalgia, conjunctival suffusion, jaundice, kidney and/or liver failure, meningitis and chest pains. Contact with an infected animal (dogs, cattle, raccoons, rodents, etc.) or recent travel to locations known to be endemic for Leptospira spp.

The MAT is intended only for human sera which are positive or equivocal on the Leptospira IgM screening assay (e.g., ELISA).

Accompanying Documentation:

Completed Requisition for Serological Testing for Selected Zoonotic Agents. If possible, include the clinical history and lab results performed at local or provincial laboratories.

Comments:

Specimens may be subject to rejection if they are not the appropriate sample type, have insufficient volume or are not accompanied by relevant patient information or clinical history.

Methods and Interpretation of Results:

In-house MAT (using up to18 serovars). This test is performed only on samples with are positive or equivocal by ELISA (IgM).

Initial screening titre is 1:100 and if necessary, endpoint titres will be determined.

Supportive criteria for a probable case of Leptospirosis include a single MAT titre of ≥ 1:200, accompanied by a clinically compatible illness.

Criteria required for a confirmed diagnosis include a MAT titre of ≥ 1:800 in one or more serum samples or a four-fold or greater increase in a MAT titre between acute and convalescent serum samples.

Initiation of antibiotic treatment prior to testing may result in decreased antibody production which will affect the outcome of serological testing.

As with any laboratory test, results of the test should be interpreted with consideration of all available laboratory and clinical findings.

Turnaround Time:

Up to 30 calendar days(including 21 calendar days for EIA testing).

Contact:
Phone #: (204) 789-7434 or (204) 789-6060
Fax: (204) 789-2082
References:
  1. Levett, P.N. Leptospirosis (2001) Clin. Micro. Rev. (14): 296-326.
Guidelines:
Related Information: