Question

When performing the Directogen™ Meningitis Combo Test on Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF), the test card or slide should be rotated on a mechanical rotator for 10 minutes at 100rpm ± 2rpm.

The procedure requires use of a moistened humidifying cover during this rotation period. Which of the following is most likely to occur if you forget to use the moistened humidifying
cover?
Select one:
a. False positive due to evaporation bring the latex bead closer together
b. False negative due to evaporation of the CSF
c. False positive due to loss of temperature control
d. Loss of sample and reagent due to liquids not being contained by the cover

Answer 1

Forgetting to use the moistened humidifying cover during the Directogen™ Meningitis Combo Test could lead to a false negative due to CSF evaporation.

Step-by-step explanation:

When performing the Directogen™ Meningitis Combo Test on Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF), forgetting to use the moistened humidifying cover during the rotation period is most likely to result in a false negative due to evaporation of the CSF.

This evaporation could reduce the concentration of antigens and antibodies in the sample, potentially leading to an incorrect interpretation that the target pathogens are absent when they may be present. Maintaining a moist environment during the test is critical to preserving the sample integrity and ensuring accurate results.