Legionella Species, Culture
Also known as: MC LEGION
Use
The Legionella Species, Culture test is considered the gold standard for detecting Legionella pneumophila and other Legionella species in clinical specimens. It is particularly useful for diagnosing Legionella infections, which can lead to Legionnaires' disease and Pontiac fever, as well as community-acquired pneumonia (CAP).
Special Instructions
Respiratory specimens are preferred for this test, including abscess material, aspirates, BAL, fluids, secretions, sputum, or tissue. Additionally, pericardial fluid or blood in an SPS Vacutainer tube can be submitted for microbiology analysis. It's important to note that SPS tubes are no longer supplied by manufacturers, so sterile containers should be used for respiratory specimens.
Limitations
This test may not detect all Legionella species or strains, as it relies on culture techniques which have inherent limitations in sensitivity compared to molecular methods like PCR. The test cannot be used for other nonrespiratory specimens such as stool, urine, or wounds. Results can take up to 8 days for negative cultures, and positive results are reported as soon as they are detected. It's important that specimens are collected and transported under recommended conditions to ensure viability.
New York Approved
Methodology
Culture-based
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 593-4
Result Turnaround Time
1-8 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Body Fluid
Volume
Not provided
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Container
Sterile container
Collection Instructions
Transfer fluid to a sterile container and place in an individually sealed bag.
Causes for Rejection
Dry specimens. Specimens in preservatives or viral transport medium (M4, UTM).
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 2 hours |
| Refrigerated | 48 hours |
| Frozen | 1 week |