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Legionella spp.identification

Laboratory Fee Schedule
Procedure #:  MAA0035A
CPT: 87077

Synonym(s): Legionnaires' disease, legionellosis, Legion fever

Requisition Form

 G-2B

Test Description

 Identification of Legionella spp.

Pre-Approval Needed

 Yes; Pre-approval needed from Epidemiology for environmental isolates. 

Supplemental Information Required

 N/A

Supplemental Form(s)

 N/A

Performed on Specimens from (sources)

Human (Environmental origin: Isolates only with prior approval) 

Sample/Specimen Type for Testing

Clinical

  • Tissue; Pleural Fluid; Sputum; Bronchial Washings in sterile, leakproof container. 

Pure Isolate

  • Isolates should be prepared on appropriate slants-Buffered Charcoal Yeast (BCYE) 

Minimum Volume/Size Required

 Clinical:  500µl  

Isolate:  At least one viable colony 

Storage/Preservation Prior to Shipping

Clinical sample:

  • <48 hours store at 4°C
  • ≥48 hours: Freeze immediately at ≤-20°C

Isolate: Store ≤14 days at 4°C

Transport Medium

  Appropriate solid medium that supports growth, such as BCYE 

Specimen Labeling
  • Two patient-specific identifiers required (e.g., patient full name, date of birth, Medical record number)
  • Identifiers on specimen must exactly match submission form.

Shipping and Specimen Handling Requirements
  • Ship according to Dangerous Good Regulations, IATA, and/or CFR 49. 

Clinical

  •     <48hrs from collection ship on cold pack 
  •     >48hrs freeze at -70C and ship on dry ice. 

Isolate

  • Ship on cold pack.  

Method

 MALDI-TOF (Mass Spectrometry); Bacterial culture ; Direct Immunofluorescence assay

Turn-around Time

 4-21 days

Interferences/Limitations
  • Material must be viable. 
  • Improper storage or shipping temperatures limit organism recovery.

Common Causes for Rejection
  • Insufficient quantity
  • Unacceptable specimen type or source
  • Improper shipping conditions
  • Expired media or collection container
  • Discrepancies between specimen label and submission form
  • Incomplete or missing submission form

Additional Information

 Non Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 specimens will be forwarded to CDC for further testing.  

Get in Touch

Get in Touch

Email 
Phone 
512-776-7318
Fax
512-776-7294

Specimen Receiving
Monday-Friday, 8 am - 5 pm
Phone: 512-776-7598