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Legionella Culture

Legionella Culture, Legionnaires Disease, Pontiac Fever, Pneumophila

Test Codes

EPIC: LAB9020

Department

Microbiology

Specimen Collection Criteria

Collect: One of the following specimen types, in a sterile, screw-capped collection container:

• Bronchial Brushings, Bronchial Washings, or Bronchoalveolar Lavage (BAL).
• Autopsy specimens from the chest cavity.
• Lung tissue.
• Thoracentesis fluid.
• Sputum (least preferred specimen type).

Physician Office/Draw Specimen Preparation

Deliver specimen to the Laboratory immediately after collection, refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F), in a sterile, screw-capped collection container.

Preparation for Courier Transport

Transport: All specimen types, in a sterile, screw-capped collection container, refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F).

Rejection Criteria

• Specimens submitted in saline.
• Specimens submitted in containers with formalin or that ever contained formalin.
• Specimens in non-sterile or leaking containers.

Storage

Specimen Stability for Testing:

Room Temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F): Unacceptable
Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): 8 hours
Frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below): Unacceptable

Specimen Storage in Department Prior to Disposal:

Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): 7 days

Laboratory

Royal Oak Microbiology Laboratory

Performed

Sunday – Saturday, 24 hours a day.
Final negative results available within one week. 

Reference Range

No growth.

Test Methodology

Bacterial Culture.

Interpretation

Identification of Legionella spp. from respiratory specimens provides a definitive diagnosis of Legionnaires disease.

Clinical Utility

This test is useful for the diagnosis of Legionnaires disease.

Reference

Pasculle, A.W., and McDevitt, D., 2007. Legionella Cultures. Clinical Microbiology Procedure Manual, 3^rd Edition. ASM Press. Washington, D.C., Section 3.11.4.

CPT Codes

87081

Contacts

Last Updated

9/30/2024