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Wisconsin legionella testing lab

Legiolert – Advanced Legionella Pneumophila Testing

legiolert test device for legionella testing
The Legiolert test is a powerful method for detecting Legionella pneumophila, the primary cause of Legionnaires’ disease, in water samples.

U.S. Water uses the Legiolert test to detect the presence of legionella. Legiolert significantly improves Legionella testing workflow. Therefore, it leads to higher productivity. In addition, the Legiolert test is easy to implement, highly accurate, and it is internationally accepted.

EasyAccurateAccepted
Detects and quantifies the dangerous pathogenMore resistant to competing non-Legionella organisms than traditional spread plate methods.Used by public, utility, and private laboratories around the world.
Detects Legionella pneumophila when traditional culture methods do notDemonstrated to be as or more sensitive than traditional spread plate methods in several independent, peer-reviewed studies. Published by ASTM International as Standard D8429-21.
7-day confirmed results means facilities can respond quickly & efficientlyHighly specific for all serotypes of Legionella pneumophila, confirmed in several peer-reviewed studies.Received NF Validation by AFNOR Certification, reference number IDX 33/06-06/19.
99% reproducibility removes uncertainty. No retesting needed before taking action.Listed as bacterial enzyme culture method in ASHRAE Guideline 12.

How the Legiolert Test works

The Legiolert Test identifies Legionella pneumophila in water samples. It uses a bacterial enzyme detection technology that signals the presence of Legionella pneumophila by reacting with a substance in the Legiolert reagent. Legionella pneumophila cells thrive and multiply in the Legiolert reagent’s nutrient-rich environment. As actively growing strains use the added substance, it produces a brown color indicator. 

The Legiolert Test can detect Legionella pneumophila at a concentration of 1 organism in 100 mL within 7 days.

The Legiolert test has been published by ASTM International as the “ASTM D8429-21: Standard Test Method for Legionella pneumophila in Water Samples.

Legiolert Test FAQ

What water types can be tested with the Legiolert test?
      • The Legiolert test is designed specifically for potable and nonpotable water samples. 
      • Potable water is water that is fit for consumption and includes hot and cold water from kitchen or bathroom taps, showers, or water within a drinking water distribution system, among others.
      • Nonpotable water is not fit for consumption and includes water from cooling towers, pools, spas, decorative fountains, among others. 
Do I need to identify my water sample as potable or nonpotable before analysis?

Yes, the Legiolert potable and nonpotable protocols have each been designed for optimal performance with different types of water.

Therefore, it’s important to note that testing a nonpotable sample with the potable protocol may provide false-positive results due to bacteria other than L. pneumophila. And likewise, testing a potable sample with the nonpotable protocol may result in reduced L. pneumophila detection due to the pretreatment step and the smaller volume of sample tested.

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