Legionella Testing Solutions
AEMTEK’s Environmental Laboratory provides total solutions for your Legionella testing needs.
We offer sampling supplies as well as multiple testing methods, with a range of turn-around-times and identification levels, to suit your individual requirements.
All AEMTEK’s Legionella testing methods are AIHA EMLAP-accredited and CDC-ELITE approved, so you can feel confident in your results.
For sample collection, AEMTEK will provide a swab or sampling-bottle with the required neutralizer already inside. Simply:
|
COLLECT your sample using the bottle or swab |
SEND to our lab for analysis |
Access RESULTS ONLINE in as little as *48 hours! |
What is Legionella?
What is Legionella?
Legionella bacteria thrive in warm, stagnant water but can survive under a wide range of temperatures (68° to 138°F). These bacteria, which naturally exist in fresh water environments, can accumulate in man-made water systems and cause disease. Legionellosis – or Legionnaire’s’ disease – is contracted when contaminated water is aerosolized (through steam, mist, condensation, etc.) and enters the lungs. In the United States, reported cases of Legionnaires’ disease have increased by 5.5X from 2000 to 2017. Health departments reported about 7,500 cases of Legionnaires’ disease in the United States in 2017.
Why Test My Water?
Why Test My Water?
Outbreaks of Legionnaires’ Disease receive high media attention when many people fall ill. Once contracted, 1 in 10 people will die from the disease. Although not contagious, the disease will spread quickly through contaminated sources. Building owners or managers will be faced with liability claims and negative publicity that can be devastating to their image, and extremely costly. The AIHA and CDC recommend regular monitoring of the water distribution system, which will drastically decrease the instances of Legionella-related disease outbreak.
CMS Compliance
CMS Compliance
The Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services requires facilities to develop and follow water management policies and procedures to reduce the risk of growth, and spread, of Legionella in their building water systems. AEMTEK’s Legionella testing services will help you remain compliant with these requirements.
Sample Collection and Submission
AEMTEK provides sampling water bottles, with the required sodium thiosulfate neutralizer, and swabs for taking proper samples. For assistance with sampling, view our Legionella Sampling Instruction Video.
Analytical Methods & Turnaround Time
For Legionella detection, AEMTEK uses methods that are AIHA EMLAP-accredited and CDC-ELITE accepted. There are several testing options to choose from to meet your needs for sensitivity and turnaround time.
| Plating Method (CDC Method) | Legionella species qPCR | Legionella pneumophila qPCR | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turnaround Time | 7–10 Days | 1–3 Days | 1–3 Days |
| Quantitative? | YES | YES | YES |
| Target Species | Legionella species, (including Legionella pneumophila) | Legionella species (including Legionella pneumophila) | Legionella pneumophila only |
| Report | Viable Legionella colony counts with species identification.
*Legionella pneumophila serogroup typing is available. |
Legionella genus DNA detection.
*Serotyping is not available. |
Legionella pneumophila DNA detection only.
*Serotyping is not available. |
| Quantification Limit | Potable Water: 0.1 CFU/mL
Non-potable Water: 10 CFU/mL Swab: 10 CFU/sample |
Project dependent. | Project dependent. |
| Reference Method | CDC guidelines, ISO/TR 11731, Standard Methods 9260J | BIORAD iQ-Check Quanti Legionella spp. QPCR, ISO/TR 12869 | AEMTEK In-house method, BIORAD iQ-Check Quanti Legionella spp. QPCR, ISO/TR 12869 |