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Legionella Culture, Environmental
Test Code37357
CPT Codes
87999
Preferred Specimen
250 mL water collected in a sterile leak-proof container
Minimum Volume
100 mL
Other Acceptable Specimens
Culture swab of environmental water-related surface in liquid Amies (red-cap) or gel Amies (blue-cap) transport medium
Instructions
Transport at refrigerated temperatures preferred
Transport Temperature
Refrigerated (cold packs)
Specimen Stability
Room temperature: 48 hours
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: Unacceptable
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: Unacceptable
Methodology
Culture
Setup Schedule
Set up: Mon-Fri; Report available: 7-10 days
Clinical Significance
Legionellae are found widespread in water sources, especially in warmer waters of plumbing systems and cooling towers. Infection often occurs through aerosol inhalation of contaminated water.