Legionella Testing
Testing Information
Testing water for the presence of Legionella bacteria is reliably accomplished by culture in an accredited microbiology laboratory using well-characterized and validated methods. The most pathogenic (disease-causing) strain of Legionella bacteria is Legionella pneumophila group.
Special Pathogens Laboratory
Special Pathogens Laboratory, The Legionella Experts®, provides an evidence-based solution for control and prevention Legionella and other waterborne pathogens to all sectors, especially the water treatment, healthcare, and the hospitality industries. Accredited and CDC-ELITE certified in Legionella testing, Special Pathogens Laboratory (SPL) is internationally recognized as a Legionella reference center. SPL has participated in the development of new antimicrobial therapies for Legionnaires' disease, new Legionella diagnostic tests, and has pioneered detection and control methodologies aimed at the prevention of Legionnaires' disease. Our testing methods have been validated in prospective studies that correlate disease risk with the extent of environmental contamination (See Role of Environmental Surveillance in Determining the Risk of Hospital-Acquired Legionellosis: A National Surveillance Study With Clinical Correlations, Stout et al. Infection Control Hospital Epidemiology 2007; 28:818-824). No other Legionella testing laboratory can make this claim. This emphasis on scientific validation and evidence-based medicine separates SPL from other "experts" and laboratories.
SPL offers:
- Legionella and other waterborne pathogens testing
- Water quality analysis, product evaluation and research
- Legionella risk assessment and water safety plans
- Design construction review
- Legionella education and training
- Outbreak response