Test Detail

Legionella Multiplex

Performed	Avg. Turnaround Time	Method
Test Description		Contact: Molecular Biology and Virology (319) 335-4376 Test Request Form: Viral and Bacterial PCR SHL OpenELIS Code: 1136
Nucleic acid amplification by PCR to detect Legionella DNA.
Coralville, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., M-F	1 - 3 business days	Nucleic Acid Amplification by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
Fee	CPT Code(s)
$69.97	87541
Specimen Requirements
Specimen Type:	Bacterial isolate, Bronchial brushings, Bronchoalveolar Lavage (BAL), Sputum, Tracheal aspirate, Tissue specimen. PCR is a very sensitive test, and precautions should be taken to not cross-contaminate specimens (i.e., wear gloves and change before and after collecting specimen. Avoid contact with environmental surfaces). DO NOT FREEZE SPECIMEN.
Collection Instructions:	Collect specimen using a sterile container. Sputum: If possible, have the patient rinse mouth and gargle with water prior to sputum collection. An early morning specimen is best. Instruct the patient not to expectorate saliva or postnasal discharge into container. Collect specimen resulting from deep cough in sterile screw-cap container. Satisfactory quality implies the presence of mucoid or mucopurulent material and is of greater significance than volume. Ideally, a sputum specimen should have a volume of 3-5 mL, although smaller quantities are acceptable if the quality is satisfactory. Bronchoalveolar Lavage (BAL): Collect fluid into a sterile container. Minimum volume of 1 mL.
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 with cold pack. Ship to the Coralville location.
Temperature and Stability:	Refrigerated (2-8°C); Overnight.
Rejection Criteria:	Specimens will be rejected if received under these conditions: Samples not received in the correct temperature range of 2-8°C will be rejected.
Expected Results:
Legionella species detected, Legionella pneumophila (not serogroup 1) detected, Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 detected, None Detected, Indeterminate
Comments
Presence of Legionella DNA indicates likely infection. A negative result does not rule out the presence of PCR inhibitors in the patient specimen or test-specific nucleic acid in concentrations below the level of detection by the test.
Alternate Names
Legionella pneumophila, Legionella species by PCR