Legionella isolation from clinical specimens
Registry Details
| Area | Health Science |
| Lab name | Legionella Reference Laboratory |
| Lab location | Kenepuru Science Centre, Porirua |
| Test name | Legionella isolation from clinical specimens |
| Organisms | Legionella species |
| Requested for surveillance | yes |
| Notice required | yes |
| Routine turnaround time | 10 working days |
| Culture requirements | Lower respiratory tract samples including bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, bronchialwashing,trans-tracheal aspirate, lung biopsy or post mortem tissue. Other respiratory tract samples including deep throat swab from trachea, expectorated sputum, induced sputum |
| Pre-transport requirements | 5 ± 3°C within 24 hours |
| Transport requirements | 5 ± 3°C within 24 hours |
| Unacceptable sample types | Sputolysin-treated sputum sample |
| How results reported | Presence or absence indicating whether or not the organism was isolate. If present, then the identity to species and serogroup level will be reported. |
| Referral link | Form |
Details
Legionella is a slow-growing fastidious bacterium. Legionella culture is considered the "gold standard" method for confirmation of legionellosis, but recovery is low. Legionella culture should be considered in conjunction with Legionella PCR and serology testing.
Isolation of Legionella by culture is provided to assist diagnostic laboratories in the investigation of incidents of potential public health significance on an as required basis. It is not a routine diagnostic service.
Information sheet on Legionella and Legionellosis [PDF, 137 KB]