Specimen Information

Type

Gold, SST

Volume

1.0 ml

Transport Info

Centrifuge and immediately transfer serum to separate plastic tube
Refrigerated

Fasting Required?

False

Clinical Significance

Titers of 1:2 or greater indicate possible deep seated S. aureus infection.

Diagnosis of deep-seated infections caused by S. aureus is best made by cultivation of the organism from an appropriate clinical specimen. Bacteremia associated with deep-seated staphylococcal infection presents a puzzling picture to both the clinician and laboratorian since the focus of infection may not be readily apparent. Decisions on the course of antibiotic and surgical therapy depend on both the source and severity of infection.Prolonged exposure to staphylococci during deep-seated infection or endocarditis may lead to elevated levels of antibody to staphylococcal ribitol teichoic acid. Detection of high levels of antibodies against staphylococcal teichoic acids in patients with staphylococcal bacteremia indicates that staphylococcal endocarditis or complicated staphylococcal bacteremia is likely. Ten to fourteen days may be required for a serological response, so the test should be repeated in patients with negative results. Titers of 1:2 or greater indicate possible deep-seated S. aureus infection. Fourfold rises in titer may be more useful than a single, un- paired determination. A negative test does not exclude staphylococcal disease.