Legionnaires disease is caused by Legionella pneumophilia bacteria which is widespread in natural water sources such as ponds. In this state, the bacterium poses no threat to human health. However, in temperatures of 20 to 45°C, the bacteria can grow and, aerosols containing Legionella if inhaled, can cause Legionnaires disease, resulting in flu like symptoms.

In meeting your Legionella assessment needs ALS Laboratories, who are a member of the Legionella Control Association, offer two categories of Legionella testing. Detection by Standard Culture, based on ISO 11731:1998 utilising our MALDI-ToF instant confirmation and Enumeration of Legionella by Rapid Detection using a method based on the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Both methods can be used for the identification of Legionella pneumophila and Legionella species, with the MALDI-ToF providing a full Legionella speciation.

Customers are informed accordingly if suspect colonies are isolated and results reported electronically where breaches of this guidance have occurred. ALS Laboratories can provide a result for Legionella within 24 hours using the PCR method where a rapid result is required due to suspected infestation.

Click here to download our Legionella Testing Services brochure

ALS Laboratories won the 2016 Combating Legionella Supplier of the year award for our efforts and developments in MALDI-ToF Innovation.