Test Detail

Legionella Culture Panel (includes DFA)

Panel Components
Test Description		Contact: Reference Microbiology (319) 335-4335 Test Request Form: Bacteriology SHL OpenELIS Code: 647, 646
Bacterial culture and identification of Legionella pneumophila. Test also includes a DFA smear for Legionella serogroups 1-15.
Legionella Bacterial Culture and DFA Smear
Reflex Test(s)
Legionella Multiplex by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
Performed	Avg. Turnaround Time	Method
Coralville, M - F, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m. - noon	7 - 10 business days	Bacterial Culture, Direct Immunofluorescence Assay (DFA)
Fee	CPT Code(s)
$34.07	87081, 87278
Specimen Requirements
Specimen Type:	Sputum, Tracheal Aspirates, Bronchoscopy specimens, Biopsy specimens, Pericardial fluid, Peritoneal fluid, Pleural fluid, Other
Collection Instructions:	Collect specimen in sterile container. Label container with patient name or unique identifier, age or date of birth (DOB), and date and time of collection. Sputum: expectorated or suctioned Tracheal Aspirates: minimum volume of 3 mL Bronchoscopy specimens: minimum volume of 3 mL Biopsy specimens: Add a small amount of sterile, non-bacteriostatic distilled water to prevent desiccation. DO NOT ADD SALINE, as it may be inhibitory. Pericardial, Peritoneal, or Pleural fluid: minimum volume of 5 mL ALL OTHER SPECIMENS, CALL 319/335-4335 FOR CONSULTATION BEFORE SUBMISSION.
Shipping:
Specimens should be stored and shipped under the same conditions. Wrap specimen container in absorbent material and place inside a biohazard bag. Transport specimen overnight with cold packs. Ship to the Coralville location.
Temperature and Stability:	Refrigerated (2-8°C); stable for 24 hours.
Rejection Criteria:	Specimens will be rejected if received under these conditions: Frozen and ambient temperature specimens. Leaking samples or insufficient quantity of specimen
Expected Results:
Bacterial Culture: No Legionella pneumophila isolated, Legionella species identification. Direct Immunofluorescence Assay (DFA): Negative for serogroups 1-15, Positive for serogroups 1-15.
Comments
A positive Legionella culture result is indicative of active disease. The most common type of Legionella species associated with pulmonary disease is Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1. Legionella culture can detect all species of Legionella.
Alternate Names
Culture Legionella species, L. pneumophila culture