5.5 Antigen detection tests

Antigen detection tests are mainly used to identify antibiotic hydrolysing enzymes, such as ESBLs and carbapenemases. The enzymes are detected by lateral flow tests to detect a specific enzyme.

The example test in Figure 12 is negative but has passed the control. A positive test would have a line by ‘T’ as well. Lateral flow tests are easy to perform though sometimes hard to interpret if the test line appears faintly.

Figure 12 Lateral flow test

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An example of a lateral flow test. The test substance is introduced into the well ‘S’ then moves up the filter paper by capillary action where it meets the test antibodies ‘T’ then the control ‘C’.

Figure 12 Lateral flow test