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26440 Legionella Culture, Varies (LEGI)

Legionella Culture, Varies (LEGI)
Test Code: LEGISO
Synonyms/Keywords

​Legionella Culture (LEGI), 50008-LEGI

Useful For

​Diagnosis of Legionnaires disease

Specimen Requirements
Specimen TypePreferred Container/TubeAcceptable Container/TubeSpecimen Volume
​Lower respiratory: Bronchoalveolar lavage, bronchial aspirate/brushing/lavage/washing, tracheal/endotracheal secretions/aspirate, sputum​Sterile container​Entire collection
​Fresh tissue or biopsy: Lung, pleura, heart valve, pericardium​Sterile container​5 mm(3)
​Fluid: Pericardial, pleural, chest, chest tube drainage, thoracentesis, empyema​Sterile container​2 mL
Collection Processing Instructions

​Specimen Source is required.

Collection Instructions for Fresh tissue or biopsy:

1. Aseptically collect a1 to 2 cm(3) piece of tissue whenever possible

Specimen Stability Information
Specimen TypeTemperatureTime
​Varies​Refrigerated (preferred)​48 hours
Rejection Criteria

All specimens will be evaluated at Mayo Clinic Laboratories for test suitability.

Interference

​Although a semi-selective media is utilized, recovery of Legionella in specimens heavily contaminated with indigenous flora (ie, sputum) may be difficult.

Performing Laboratory Information
Performing LocationDay(s) Test PerformedAnalytical TimeMethodology/Instrumentation
​Mayo Clinic Laboratories​Monday through Sunday​7-10 Days​Conventional Culture Technique
Reference Lab
Test Information

​The Legionellaceae are ubiquitous in natural freshwater habitats, allowing them to colonize man-made water supplies, which may then serve as the source for human infections.

Legionella pneumophila and the related species, Legionella bozemanii, Legionella dumoffii, Legionella gormanii, Legionella micdadei, Legionella longbeachae, and Legionella jordanis have been isolated from patients with pneumonia (Legionnaires disease). The organism has been isolated from lung tissue, bronchoalveolar lavage, pleural fluid, and sputum. The signs, symptoms, and radiographic findings of Legionnaires disease are generally nonspecific.

Reference Range Information
Performing LocationReference Range
​Mayo Clinic Laboratories​No growth
Interpretation

​Identification of Legionella species from respiratory specimens provides a definitive diagnosis of Legionnaires disease.

Organisms isolated are identified as Legionella species via matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) and/or 16S rRNA gene sequencing.

Outreach CPTs
CPTModifier
(if needed)
QuantityDescriptionComments
Synonyms/Keywords

​Legionella Culture (LEGI), 50008-LEGI

Ordering Applications
Ordering ApplicationDescription
​COM​Legionella Culture (LEGI)
​Cerner​Legionella Culture (LEGI)
If the ordering application you are looking for is not listed, contact your local laboratory for assistance.
Specimen Requirements
Specimen TypePreferred Container/TubeAcceptable Container/TubeSpecimen Volume
​Lower respiratory: Bronchoalveolar lavage, bronchial aspirate/brushing/lavage/washing, tracheal/endotracheal secretions/aspirate, sputum​Sterile container​Entire collection
​Fresh tissue or biopsy: Lung, pleura, heart valve, pericardium​Sterile container​5 mm(3)
​Fluid: Pericardial, pleural, chest, chest tube drainage, thoracentesis, empyema​Sterile container​2 mL
Collection Processing

​Specimen Source is required.

Collection Instructions for Fresh tissue or biopsy:

1. Aseptically collect a1 to 2 cm(3) piece of tissue whenever possible

Specimen Stability Information
Specimen TypeTemperatureTime
​Varies​Refrigerated (preferred)​48 hours
Rejection Criteria

All specimens will be evaluated at Mayo Clinic Laboratories for test suitability.

Interference

​Although a semi-selective media is utilized, recovery of Legionella in specimens heavily contaminated with indigenous flora (ie, sputum) may be difficult.

Useful For

​Diagnosis of Legionnaires disease

Reference Range Information
Performing LocationReference Range
​Mayo Clinic Laboratories​No growth
Interpretation

​Identification of Legionella species from respiratory specimens provides a definitive diagnosis of Legionnaires disease.

Organisms isolated are identified as Legionella species via matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) and/or 16S rRNA gene sequencing.

For more information visit:
Performing Laboratory Information
Performing LocationDay(s) Test PerformedAnalytical TimeMethodology/Instrumentation
​Mayo Clinic Laboratories​Monday through Sunday​7-10 Days​Conventional Culture Technique
Reference Lab
For billing questions, see Contacts
Outreach CPTs
CPTModifier
(if needed)
QuantityDescriptionComments
For most current information refer to the Marshfield Laboratory online reference manual.