Ordering RecommendationRecommendations when to order or not order the test. May include related or preferred tests.
Gold standard test; detects L. pneumophila and other Legionella species in clinical specimens.
MnemonicUnique test identifier.
MC LEGION
MethodologyProcess(es) used to perform the test.
Culture/Identification
PerformedDays of the week the test is performed.
Sun-Sat
ReportedExpected turnaround time for a result, beginning when ARUP has received the specimen.
Negative at 8 days Positives as soon as detected
New York DOH Approval StatusIndicates test has been approved by the New York State Department of Health.
This test is New York DOH approved.
Specimen Required
Patient Preparation
Collect
Respiratory specimens: Abscess material, aspirates, BAL, fluids, secretions, sputum, or tissue; OR pericardial fluid or blood in SPS Vacutainer® tube for microbiology (ARUP supply #24964). Available online through eSupply using ARUP Connect™ or contact ARUP Client Services at (800) 522-2787.
Specimen Preparation
Fluid: Transfer to a sterile container. Place each specimen in an individually sealed bag. (Min. 0.5 mL) Tissue: Place on gauze moistened with sterile nonbacteriostatic saline to prevent drying and transport in sterile container. Blood: Transport blood in SPS tube.
Storage/Transport Temperature
Refrigerated. For nonblood specimens: If delay in transport (greater than 48 hours), transport frozen.
Unacceptable Conditions
Stool, urine, wounds, or other nonrespiratory sites. Dry specimens. Specimens in preservatives or viral transport medium (M4, UTM).
Reference IntervalNormal range/expected value(s) for a specific disease state. May also include abnormal ranges.
Culture negative for Legionella species.
Interpretive DataBackground information for test. May include disease information, patient result explanation, recommendations, details of testing, associated diseases, explanation of possible patient results.
Compliance Category
Standard
NoteAdditional information related to the test.
Amplified DNA testing (PCR) is also available for respiratory specimens. Refer to Legionella Species by Qualitative PCR (2010125). Legionella pneumophila DFA (ARUP test code 2004598) is also available.
CPT CodesThe American Medical Association Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes published in ARUP's Laboratory Test Directory are provided for informational purposes only. The codes reflect our interpretation of CPT coding requirements based upon AMA guidelines published annually. CPT codes are provided only as guidance to assist clients with billing. ARUP strongly recommends that clients confirm CPT codes with their Medicare administrative contractor, as requirements may differ. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. ARUP Laboratories assumes no responsibility for billing errors due to reliance on the CPT codes published.
87081; Identification CPT codes may vary based on method
* Component test codes cannot be used to order tests. The information provided here is not sufficient for interface builds; for a complete test mix, please click the sidebar link to access the Interface Map.
AliasesOther names that describe the test. Synonyms.
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