Legionnaires' disease or LD, Legionellosis, Pontiac fever

Standard reference procedures for Legionella culture and identification. Culture detects L. pneumophila and other Legionella species in clinical specimens.

Test performed daily, Daily preliminary reports.
Final report in 7 days

Respiratory tract secretions and aspirates, tissue, fluid, sputum, abscess material

Collect in a sterile container
Specimen Labeling: Test subject to CLIA regulations and requires 2 patient identifiers on specimen container and requisition forms

Fluid: 0.5-1.0mL (Minimum: 0.5mL); Tissue: keep moist with sterile non-bacteriostatic saline; Blood: SPS tube

Prior to and during shipment:  Refrigerate 2-8°C.  
Shipping instructions, including specimen-handling requirements during transport:  Seal screw-top tubes with Parafilm™ or tape and place in biohazard bag with absorbent material.

Place specimen inside leak proof secondary container (biohazard bag and if transporting by air, use Tyvek™ Envelope) ) with adsorbent material. The secondary container must be packed inside an approved Category B shipping container filled with dry ice to keep specimen frozen. Position NUlirt packing list or NPHL Test Order form between secondary container and box lid. Seal with tape.  Label outer box as UN3373 Category B, Biological Substance. Transport by NPHL ground courier. If courier not available, ship by FedEx, UPS, or USPS (1st Class, Priority or Express Mail). Follow appropriate DOT/IATA Regulation Guidelines.  For assistance, call NPHL State Training Coordinator at (402) 559-3590.  
See instructions and shipping address: http://nphl.org/

NUlirt packing list or appropriate paperwork (completed in entirety) must accompany specimens.

Non-sterile container or leaking container, specimen submitted in saline, formalin or viral transport medium, urine, dry specimen. Stool, urine, other non-respiratory sites.

Store and transport at Ambient 15-25°C if <2h.
If delayed >2 h, store and transport at refrigerator temps 2-8°C
If >24h, store and transport frozen on dry ice.

Negative for Legionella species

Positive Legionella results should be reported within 7 days to local or state health department. Refer to Nebraska DHHS Title 173, Communicable Diseases. 
All positive Legionella species isolated should be submitted to the NPHL for molecular sequencing to supplement and epidemiological investigation.

To prevent drying, submit specimen in sterile, non-bacteriostatic water. Do not use saline in specimen collection. DFA in addition to culture is suggested. Positive results will be notification.
NUlirt packing list or NPHL Test Order Form (completed in entirety) must accompany the specimen