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Isolation of Legionella from Environmental Sources, including medical devices

Enteric, Environmental and Food Virology Laboratory

Area

Water Science

Lab name

Environmental Microbiology Laboratory

Lab location

Kenepuru Science Centre, Porirua

Test name

Isolation of Legionella from Environmental Sources

Organisms

Legionella species

Requested for surveillance

no

Notice required

yes

Routine turnaround time

7 working days

Sample requirements

Water or biofilm or sludge or sediment sample

Pre-transport requirements

Samples must be sent immediately by courier so as to arrive within 24 hours of collection. Avoid freezing. Avoid temperature fluctuations.

Transport requirements

Send immediately at ambient temperature (10-20°C) with no ice packs in a chilly bin. Send protected from light.

Unacceptable sample types

Samples that arrive more than 48 hours after collection. Samples that have been frozen. Samples without biocide inhibitors included. Biofilm sample with no source water included to prevent sample drying out in transit. Swab samples that contain no source water.

How results reported

Positive or negative for the detection of Legionella bacteria.

Referral link

Form

 

Details

Full details for the collection of environmental samples to be examined for the presence of Legionella bacteria when investigating the source of infection in cases of legionellosis can be found in these guidelines Environmental Sampling for Legionella Bacteria or contact lab staff via KSC.Legionella@esr.cri.nz or phone 04 914 0755.

Sample Type Required sample volume
Potable water (domestic outlet, i.e. shower, tap) A minimum of 1 L collected in a sterile leak-proof plastic container with 200 mg/L of sodium thiosulphate
Potable water source supply A minimum of 10 L collected in a sterile leak-proof plastic container with 200 mg/L of sodium thiosulphate.
Cooling tower water 250 mL collected in a sterile leak-proof container with 200 mg/L of sodium thiosulphate.
Ornamental water source A minimum of 1 L collected in a sterile leak-proof plastic container with 200 mg/L of sodium thiosulphate.
Spa pool or recreational water A minimum of 1 L collected in a sterile leak-proof plastic container with 200 mg/L of sodium thiosulphate.
Biofilm sample Cotton swab in sealed container with 1-2 mL the source water.
Compost /potting mix/seed raising mix/soil 100 grams in clean and unused food grade zip-lock bag.
Air sample Contact laboratory KSC.Legionella@esr.cri.nz.