Although a useful test in the past, the particle agglutination assay for detection of H.influenzae type b capsular polysaccharide antigen is no longer reliable due to

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Detection of H. influenzae type b capsular polysaccharide directly in clinical specimens, such as CSF and urine, can be performed using commercially available particle agglutination assays. Historically, the latex tests have been very sensitive and specific for detection of H. influenzae type b, especially in patients who have been on antimicrobial therapy before collection of the specimen. Unfortunately, these tests have been reported as positive in CSF and urine of patients who have recently received an H. influenzae type b vaccination, so positive results of agglutination assays must be interpreted with caution.

Although a Useful Test in the Past, the Particle Agglutination