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

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The 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 sensitive and specific for the detection of H.influenzae,type b,especially in patients who have been on antimicrobial therapy before the collection of the specimen.Unfortunately,these tests have been reported as positive in the CSF and urine of patients who have recently received an H.influenzae,type b,vaccination;therefore positive results of agglutination assays must be interpreted with caution.

Although a Useful Test in the Past,the Particle Agglutination Assay