Thermo Scientific™ Wellcogen™ Neisseria meningitidis A, C, Y, W135 Rapid Latex Agglutination Test Kit for 30 Tests

The Thermo Scientific™ Wellcogen™ Neisseria meningitidis A, C, Y, W135 Rapid Latex Agglutination Test is a rapid, qualitative diagnostic assay designed for the detection and presumptive serogroup identification of Neisseria meningitidis directly from clinical specimens. Utilizing latex agglutination technology, this test enables fast and reliable identification of meningococcal antigens associated with bacterial meningitis.

The assay specifically targets Neisseria meningitidis serogroups A, C, Y, and W135, which are among the most clinically significant causes of invasive meningococcal disease worldwide. It is widely used in clinical microbiology laboratories as a rapid screening tool to support early diagnosis and timely clinical intervention.

Key Features

• Targeted Detection of Major Meningococcal Serogroups
  Identifies Neisseria meningitidis groups A, C, Y, and W135 in a single test.
• Rapid Latex Agglutination Technology
  Provides visible results within minutes, enabling urgent clinical decision-making.
• High Specificity
  Latex particles coated with antibodies react specifically with corresponding meningococcal antigens.
• Versatile Sample Compatibility
  Suitable for direct testing of body fluids and blood culture samples.
• Simple, Instrument-Free Operation
  Easy-to-perform manual assay without the need for specialized equipment.
• CE Marked for Diagnostic Use
  Meets regulatory standards for clinical laboratory diagnostics.

Applications

Clinical Diagnostics

• Rapid screening for meningococcal meningitis
• Detection of Neisseria meningitidis antigens in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)
• Support for diagnosis of invasive meningococcal disease

Microbiology Laboratories

• Identification of meningococcal antigens from clinical specimens
• Testing of blood culture supernatants
• Screening of suspected bacterial meningitis cases

Public Health & Surveillance

• Outbreak detection and monitoring
• Epidemiological tracking of meningococcal serogroups
• Support for vaccination and control programs

Test Principle

The test is based on latex agglutination:

1. Latex particles coated with antibodies specific to meningococcal antigens are mixed with the sample
2. If target antigens are present, antigen–antibody binding occurs
3. Visible agglutination indicates a positive result

Supported Sample Types

• Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)
• Other body fluids
• Blood culture supernatants
• Bacterial isolates (as applicable)

Technical Specifications

Ordering Information

Clinical Significance

Neisseria meningitidis is a leading cause of bacterial meningitis and septicemia, particularly in children, adolescents, and young adults. Serogroups A, C, Y, and W135 are responsible for the majority of invasive infections globally.

Early detection is critical due to the rapid progression and high mortality associated with meningococcal disease. Latex agglutination testing provides a fast preliminary diagnosis, especially valuable when culture results are delayed or affected by prior antibiotic treatment.

Unique Advantages

• Rapid Turnaround Time
  Enables immediate screening and supports urgent clinical decisions.
• Serogroup-Specific Identification
  Provides valuable epidemiological and clinical information.
• Ease of Use
  Simple procedure suitable for routine laboratory workflows.
• Complementary to Culture and PCR
  Enhances diagnostic capability when used alongside confirmatory methods.
• Flexible Sample Testing
  Supports multiple specimen types for broader applicability.

The Thermo Scientific™ Wellcogen™ Neisseria meningitidis A, C, Y, W135 Rapid Latex Agglutination Test is a reliable and efficient tool for the rapid detection of meningococcal antigens. Its speed, specificity, and ease of use make it an essential component of meningitis diagnostic workflows, particularly in clinical and public health laboratory settings.