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Legionella Species, Culture
Ordering Recommendation
Gold standard test; detects L. pneumophila and other Legionella species in clinical specimens.
New York DOH Approval Status
Specimen Required
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.
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.
Refrigerated. If delay in transport (greater than 48 hours), freeze at -60C or lower and transport on dry ice.
Stool, urine, wounds, or other nonrespiratory sites. Dry specimens. Specimens in preservatives or viral transport medium (M4, UTM).
Specimen source preferred.
Ambient: 2 hours; Refrigerated: 48 hours; Frozen: 1 week
Whole Blood: Ambient: 2 hours; Refrigerated: 48 hours; Frozen: Unacceptable
Methodology
Qualitative Culture
Performed
Sun-Sat
Reported
1-8 days
Negative culture reported at 8 days. Positive culture reported as soon as detected.
Reference Interval
Culture negative for Legionella species.
Interpretive Data
Standard
Note
Amplified DNA testing (PCR) is also available for respiratory specimens. Refer to Legionella Species by Qualitative PCR (ARUP test code 2010125). Legionella pneumophila DFA (ARUP test code 2004598) is also available.
Hotline History
Hotline History
CPT Codes
87081; Identification CPT codes may vary based on method
Components
| Component Test Code* | Component Chart Name | LOINC |
|---|---|---|
| 0060113 | Culture, Legionella species | 593-4 |
Aliases
- Culture, Legionella sp.
- L. pneumophila culture
- Legionella Culture
