Description
Legionnaires’ disease, or legionellosis, is a common type of bacterial pneumonia (lung infection) that comes from Legionella bacteria.
This sample collection kit will let you collect the sample yourself, and then forward it to our lab for analysis.
Typical testing locations for legionella bacteria can include:
Hot Tubs
Cooling towers or HVAC equipment
Showers
Spas
Hospitals and Assisted Living Facilities
Gyms
Hotels
And any location where people may come into contact with water vapor in the form of steam, mist, or aerosol of any kind.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports between 8,000 and 18,000 cases of Legionnaires’ disease annually in the United States, but it also estimates that more than 90 percent of cases go unreported.
If you think you have been exposed to Legionella you should see your doctor immediately. Most likely you will be tested for the bacteria using a urine test. More in depth tests such as a blood test, a chest x-ray, a lung tissue sample, a CT brain scan or a spinal tap may be necessary. Treatment includes antibiotics and often requires a hospital stay.
There is no vaccine for Legionnaires’ disease. It can only be prevented by effectively maintaining water systems. Water should be tested regularly and systems should be cleaned frequently.
