After infection, leptospires are present in the blood until they are cleared after 4 to 7 days following the production of anti-Leptospira interrogans antibodies, initially of the IgM class. Culture of the blood, urine and cerebrospinal fluid is an effective means of confirming the diagnosis during 1st to 2nd weeks after exposure. Serological detection of anti- Leptospira interrogans antibodies is also a common diagnostic method. Tests are available under this category:1) The microscopic agglutination test (MAT) ; 2) ELISA; 3) Indirect fluorescent antibody tests (IFATs) 6 . However, all above mentioned methods require a sophisticated facility and well- trained technicians.

【DIRECTIONS FOR USE】
Allow test cassette, specimen, and/or controls to equilibrate to room temperature (15-30°C) prior to testing.
1. Bring the pouch to room temperature before opening it. Remove the test cassette from the sealed pouch and use it as soon as possible. Best results will be obtained if the assay is performed within one hour.
2. Place the cassette on a clean and level surface.
For Serum or Plasma specimen: Hold the dropper vertically and transfer 1 drop of serum or plasma (approximately 40 μL) to the specimen well, then add 2 drops of buffer (approximately 80 mL),and start the timer, see illustration below.
For Venipuncture Whole Blood specimen: Hold the dropper vertically and transfer 1 drop of whole blood (approximately 40 mL) to the specimen well, then add 2 drops of buffer (approximately 80mL), and start the timer. See illustration below.
For Fingerstick Whole Blood specimen:
· To use a capillary tube: Fill the capillary tube and transfer approximately 40 μLof fingerstick whole blood specimen to the specimen well of test cassette, then add 2 drops of buffer (approximately 80 mL) and start the timer. See illustration below.
· To use hanging drops: Allow 1 hanging drop of fingerstick whole blood specimen (approximately 40 μL) to fall into the specimen well of test cassette, then add 2 drops of buffer (approximately 80 mL) and start the timer. See illustration below.
3. Wait for the colored line(s) to appear. Read the results at 15 minutes, do not interpret the results after 20 minutes.