Mycoplasma pneumoniae IgM test kit false positive high, is the antibody kit not suitable for pediatric outpatient samples?

When changing the platform, do not only compare the unit price, but also the stability, turnaround time, sample type and quality control ability. Chemiluminescence quantification usually has a small difference between batches, and a gray area can be set, but it may occupy the instrument and cost; fluorescence immunochromatography is close to the bedside, but the difference in antibody raw materials and processes from different manufacturers will affect the weak positive performance. The supplier data should focus on whether the sensitivity specificity, interference test, sample performance of different age groups, calibration and quality control are independently traceable. 300 cases per month can be matched and verified by blind method, including colloidal gold, chemiluminescence and nucleic acid, and set up an inconsistent review process before deciding to purchase.

If only the initial screening is done, colloidal gold is not unusable, but it depends on whether the clinical pathway allows missed checks and reviews. IgM is affected by the window period, single infection, maternal antibody, immune status, and previous exposure, and neither negative nor positive can be used as the basis for confirmation of diagnosis alone. When the pediatric outpatient sample size is large and the results are fast, colloidal gold can be retained as a diversion, but rules need to be formulated: synchronous nucleic acid is recommended for young age, atypical symptoms, recent antibiotics or immunosuppressors; colloidal gold-positive but PCR-negative samples should be reviewed to avoid direct conclusions.