Anti Pneumococcal Capsular Polysaccharide antibodies (IgG, IgG2)
Immunology and Allergy Overview / Directory
Purpose of the test
This antibody is one of a group of antibodies commonly referred to as “functional antibodies”. The others in this designation are anti-Haemophilus influenzae type b, anti-Tetanus toxin and anti-Diphtheria toxin antibodies.
Functional antibodies are a more sensitive tool than either total serum IgG or IgG subclasses in detecting patients who fail to respond to natural infection or antigenic challenge.
Pneumococcal polysaccharide antigens are T cell independent. Pneumococcal antibodies should not be assessed in children less than 24 months and in some children adequate responses do not appear until 7 to 8 years of age. Normal or reference ranges are not internationally agreed. In cases where immunisation is performed we recommend that both pre and post immunisation samples are assessed in the same assay.
Sample Requirements
2 ml freshly separated serum
Date of bleed and date of postage must be provided with each request.
Storage and Transport
Serum stored at 4°C should be sent by first class post
Turnaround Time
15 working days
Time Limit for Extra Tests
Five days
Factors affecting results or interpretation
All tests are compromised by prolonged transit times. For this reason, date of bleed and date of postage must be provided with each request.
Immunisation history with dates must be given with all requests for "Specific Antibodies".
Price
Price available on application - please contact adrianturner1@nhs.net. Discounts could be available for significant workloads.
Contacts
Dr Ted Davies, Consultant Clinical Scientist
T 020 3299 9000 Ex 8752
John Cazabon or Rosemary Ebling, Lead Biomedical Scientists
T 020 3299 1559
