Ultrasound-enhanced latex immunoagglutination test (USELAT) for detection of capsular polysaccharide antigen of Neisseria meningitidis from CSF and plasma.

Aims: An ultrasonic instrument, the Immunosonic, was used to evaluate ultrasound-enhanced latex immunoagglutination testing (USELAT) for detection and serogroup determination of Neisseria meningitidis in clinical specimens.

Methods: Eighty-two CSF and EDTA blood specimens from patients with suspected meningococcal disease (MD) were tested by USELAT. Results were compared with routine laboratory tests for confirmation of MD and discrepant results were resolved by analysis of further laboratory and clinical data.