ARUP's Laboratory Test Directory

Legionella pneumophila DFA : 2004598

Mnemonic: LEGIONFA

Methodology: Direct Fluorescent Antibody Stain
Performed: Sun-Sat
Reported: Within 24 hours
Specimen Required: Collect: Pericardial fluid or respiratory specimens.

Specimen Preparation: Fluid: Prepare two duplicate slides. OR transfer 1 mL fluid to a sterile container.
Tissue: Transfer tissue to a sterile container and place on gauze moistened with sterile non-bacteriostatic saline to prevent drying.

Storage/Transport Temperature: Refrigerated. OR frozen if transport occurs more than 48 hours after collection.

Remarks: Specimen source preferred.

Unacceptable Conditions: Non-respiratory specimens. Specimens in preservatives or viral transport medium.

Stability (collection to initiation of testing): Fluid or Tissue: Ambient: 12 hours; Refrigerated: 48 hours; Frozen: 1 week
Slides: Ambient: 1 week; Refrigerated: 1 week; Frozen: 1 week
Reference Interval:
Negative
Note: DFA is not recommended for diagnosing Legionella pneumophila-caused infections.  For diagnosing Legionella pneumophila -caused infections, refer to Legionella Species, Culture (ARUP test code 0060113), Legionella Species by PCR (ARUP test code 0056105) for amplified DNA testing of respiratory specimens, or Legionella pneumophila Antigen, Urine (ARUP test code 0070322) for urine specimens.
CPT Code(s): 87278
Cross References: Legionella Smear, DFA (Legionella pneumophila DFA)