ARUP's Laboratory Test Directory
| 0060113: Legionella Species, Culture |
| Test Mnemonic: MC LEGION | |
|
Methodology: Standard reference procedures for Legionella culture and identification
Performed: Sun-Sat Reported: Within 7 days Positives are reported as soon as detected Final: Negative at 7 days |
| Specimen Required: | |
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Collect: Respiratory tract secretions, washings, and aspirates (preferred). Also acceptable: tissue, fluid, sputum, abscess material, 7 mL blood in an Isolator™ tube.
Transport: Sterile container. Send immediately to ARUP at 2-8°C. If delay in transport (greater than 48 hours) occurs, freeze at -20°C or, preferably, -70°C and transport frozen. Transport Isolator™ (blood) at 2-8°C. Place each specimen in a separate, individually sealed bag. Submit specimen according to Biological Substance, Category B, shipping guidelines. Pediatric Collection/Transport: Submit specimen according to Biological Substance, Category B, shipping guidelines. Remarks: To prevent drying, submit specimen in sterile, nonbacteriostatic water. DO NOT use saline in specimen collection. BAL fluids containing saline are acceptable. Client will be notified of positive culture. Unacceptable Conditions: Urine, stool, wounds, or other culture material from non-respiratory sites. Dry specimens, nonsterile or leaking containers, or specimens submitted in saline, formalin, or viral transport medium. Stability: Ambient: 2 hours; Refrigerated: 48 hours; Frozen: 1 week |
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| 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 (0060112) is also available. |
| CPT Code(s): | |
| 87081 presumptive identification. If definitive identification required, add 87077. |