ARUP's Laboratory Test Directory

Legionella Species, Culture : 0060113

Mnemonic: MC LEGION

Methodology: Culture/Identification
Performed: Sun-Sat
Reported: Within 7 days
Positives are reported as soon as detected
Final: Negative at 7 days
Specimen Required: Collect: Respiratory specimens: Abscess material, aspirates, BAL, fluids, secretions, sputum, or tissue; OR pericardial fluid or blood in SPS Vacutainer® tube for microbiology (ARUP supply #24964). Available online through eSupply using ARUP Connect™ or contact ARUP Client Services at (800) 522-2787.

Specimen Preparation: Fluid: Transfer to a sterile container. Place each specimen in an individually sealed bag. (Min. 0.5 mL) Tissue: Place on gauze moistened with sterile non-bacteriostatic saline to prevent drying and transport in sterile container.
Blood:
Transport blood in SPS tube.


Storage/Transport Temperature: Refrigerated. For non-blood specimens: If delay in transport (greater than 48 hours), transport frozen.

Remarks: Specimen source preferred.

Unacceptable Conditions: Stool, urine, wounds, or other non-respiratory sites. Dry specimens. Specimens in preservatives or viral transport medium (M4, UTM).

Stability (collection to initiation of testing): Ambient: 2 hours; Refrigerated: 48 hours; Frozen: 1 week

Reference Interval:
Culture negative for Legionella species.
Note: Amplified DNA testing (PCR) is also available for respiratory specimens. Refer to Legionella Species by PCR (0056105).  Legionella pneumophila DFA (ARUP test code 2004598) is also available.
CPT Code(s): 87081; if definitive identification performed, add 87077.
Cross References: Culture, Legionella sp. (Legionella Species, Culture) , Legionella Culture (Legionella Species, Culture)