Adult Specimen
Bronchoalveolar lavage, lung biopsy or ET aspirate; however sputum will be accepted. Serum samples will be tested but respiratory samples are optimal.
Pre Testing Requirements
Test normally performed on hospitalised patients only.
Specimen Collection and Transport Protocols
Blood (Gold tube, 1mL serum). The optimal samples for Legionella PCR are a serum sample plus a respiratory sample, ie bronchoalveolar lavage, lung biopsy, ET aspirate or sputum sample.Specimens should be collected with a minimum amount of saline, as this can be inhibitory to Legionella species.
Department
Molecular Biology
Test Availability
Mon - Fri, 0800 - 1630 excl. Public Holidays
Laboratory Turnaround Time
Next working day
Method
Real time PCR
Interpretation
Detected or Not detected.
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
