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.
Adult Specimen
Bronchoalveolar lavage, lung biopsy or ET aspirate; however sputum will be accepted. Serum samples will be tested but respiratory samples are optimal.
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