Legionella Species Culture

Test ID: 

705795

CPT code:

87070

Synonyms:

•Culture, Legionella sp

Clinical Use:

Isolate and identify Legionella sp

Test Information:

Acute and convalescent sera for Legionella antibodies should also be considered to increase the chance of documenting the diagnosis. A fourfold rise to a titer of 1:128 is a diagnostic standard criterion. Seroconversion may be detected in many patients in the first weeks. Seroconversion 0 to 7 days after onset, 16%; 0 to 14 days, 52%; 0 to 21 days, 66%; 0 to 28 days, 71%. Twenty-five percent of patients did not have diagnostic titers. Consult the laboratory regarding availability and selection of the most appropriate method. Nosocomial infections have been recognized with reservoirs in the water distribution systems, cooling systems, and hot water systems of hospitals being reported. Twenty species in the Legionellaceae family of bacteria have been discovered since Legionella pneumophila was first recognized. Thirteen species have been implicated as causes of human pneumonia.

Specimen Type:

Lung tissue, other body tissue, pleural fluid, transtracheal aspiration, lung exudate, lung biopsy, bronchial washing, or water from air conditioning/cooling towers

Requested Volume: 

1 mL lung exudate, 1 cc lung biopsy, or 50 mL minimum water from air conditioning/cooling towers

Container Type: 

Sterile container

Collection:

Contamination with normal flora from respiratory tract should be avoided. Transport to the laboratory within 24 hours of collection.

Storage Instructions:

Refrigerate. Maintain specimens at 2°C to 8°C and transport to the laboratory within 24 hours of collection.

Rejection Criteria

Swab specimen; inappropriate specimen transport device; improper labeling; specimen received after prolonged delay (usually more than 72 hours); specimen received in expired transport