What is Legionella Analysis | Test Water for Legionella | Legionella

If you already know about Legionella, then you must have an idea of why it is so important to get it analyzed. In case you do not know what Legionella is, then we are here to clear it out for you.

Legionella is a bacteria that causes a disease that is similar to pneumonia and is known as the Legionnaires disease. The symptoms of the disease include problems in the respiratory tract, breathing problems, and may get severe enough for hospitalization. It may even cause Pontiac fever.

Therefore, you can understand why it is essential to get a Legionella analysis if there are any symptoms observed. Today, in this article here, we will understand a bit more about Legionella analysis and what it does. Let us get right into it.

Where is legionella bacteria found?

Though they are found in our environment naturally, the ideal breeding ground for the legionella bacteria is in water. They prefer stagnant water that is warm and thus can be easily found in plumbing systems of massive infrastructures and buildings. Therefore, finding Legionella in school buildings or hospitals is not a surprise. They can easily contaminate water found in public.

How does the legionella bacteria infect someone?

The bacteria can be inhaled by an individual when they inhale airborne vapor or water droplets infected by the bacteria. However, the bacteria is not contagious, as in, it cannot be passed from one person to another. However, if the bacteria contaminate any source of water accessed by the public, it can easily infect a large number of people.

How to get the sample for analysis?

The best way to get the sample for legionella testing is from the source of the bacteria. You may collect the sample by using a swab, or you may use water sampling.

Before the sampling process, make sure you have gloves and safety goggles on. Collect the samples in an air-tight sterile container, which is usually provided by the laboratory, and send them to the lab for analysis.

What kind of analysis is available?

There are three types of analysis available for Legionella:

● Direct Fluorescent Antibody: This method involves releasing antibodies on the bacteria using a fluorescent dye.

● Culture-based method: This method is used worldwide to determine the type and species of the bacteria after incubating it for ten days.

● Polymerase Chain Reaction: This qualitative test determines the RNA and DNA within the bacteria cells.

If you are looking for Legionella Analysis in Dubai, then Metslab offers one of the best services in the UAE.