Legionella Testing Laboratory
ILS as a laboratory has had many years experience in the testing for and isolation of Legionella species and Legionella pneumophilia in water samples.
Testing for detection and enumeration of Legionella pneumophila and Legionella spp, with serological confirmation for Legionella pneumophilla, is UKAS accredited. Customers are informed of presumptive positives at any stage throughout the 10 day incubation. Confirmation and enumeration is completed after the full 10 day incubation period.
Legionellae are a group of environmental bacteria which have adapted to living in water and therefore water systems. Legionellae are found naturally in rivers, lakes and reservoirs and they enter man made systems via mains water where given the right conditions of temperature and nutrients they will grow.
Legionellosis is the illness which can be caused by susceptible people inhaling water aerosols containing Legionellae bacteria.
Sources commonly creating aerosols which might contain the bacteria are cooling towers, spa-baths and shower heads.
This means that any trade, business or premises that uses or stores water could be the source of Legionella pneumophila and the cause of an outbreak of Legionnaires disease
Assesment of water samples from vulnerable sources is important to demonstrate due diligence and the efficiency of water treatment put in place to comply with legislation which protects the public and employees.
Contact ILS - for more information and legionella testing prices
BS 7592 Link Legionella Sampling Standard :http://shop.bsigroup.com/en/ProductDetail/?pid=000000000030161148
HSE Legionella Fact Sheet : clientfiles/File/Legionella%20Fact%20Sheet.pdf
HSE Legionella Information : http://www.hse.gov.uk/legionnaires/