Key points
- ÐÇ¿ÕÓéÀÖ¹ÙÍø performs diagnostic testing using real-time polymerase chain reaction to detect Legionella.
- ÐÇ¿ÕÓéÀÖ¹ÙÍø also performs Legionella culture and molecular characterization for research and surveillance.
- ÐÇ¿ÕÓéÀÖ¹ÙÍø doesn't perform urinary antigen testing, direct fluorescent antibody stain, or serological testing.
- ÐÇ¿ÕÓéÀÖ¹ÙÍø only accepts specimens from state public health laboratories and other federal agencies.
- Review ÐÇ¿ÕÓéÀÖ¹ÙÍø’s specimen acceptance criteria to avoid possible rejection.
Specimen acceptance criteria
ÐÇ¿ÕÓéÀÖ¹ÙÍø only accepts certain specimen types for Legionella testing from public health laboratories and other federal agencies.
Specimens from private healthcare providers and institutions must be submitted to a public health department laboratory for appropriate processing. Public health department laboratory staff can forward approved specimens or isolates to ÐÇ¿ÕÓéÀÖ¹ÙÍø for specialized testing.
Specimen, documentation, packaging, and shipping
Specimen requirements vary by the specific test requested.
The following links provide information on specimen, documentation, packaging, and shipping requirements:
- Clinical: Legionella species detection and identification
- Environmental: Legionella species detection and identification
Common rejection criteria
ÐÇ¿ÕÓéÀÖ¹ÙÍø's laboratory most commonly rejects specimens for Legionella testing for the following reasons:
- Unacceptable specimen type
- Specimens stored, shipped, or received at incorrect temperatures
- Improperly labeled specimens
- Insufficient volume
Resources
Laboratories can test their proficiency at isolating Legionella from simulated environmental samples. This program issues documentation to those who pass the proficiency test.
This reference center accepts testing requests from governmental public health or environmental laboratories. It performs Legionella testing on clinical specimens and isolates, as well as environmental isolates and outbreak samples.