STL Launch New Rapid Detection Legionella Method

Coventry, UK — Severn Trent Laboratories (STL) are pleased to announce the launch of a new rapid method for the detection of Legionella. With the ability to generate results within 24 hours, the new Legionella PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) method is a key tool in establishing risk in emergency or outbreak situations and offers Real Time analysis of a water system.

The test indicates the number of viable Legionella bacteria in a water sample, generating results for Legionella pneumophila, predominantly implicated with Legionnaire's Disease and Legionella spp, predominantly implicated with milder and variant forms of the disease such as Pontiac Fever. It is an ideal investigative tool for monitoring the effectiveness of water treatment where positive Legionella results have previously been found. Fast reporting of results, allows rapid assessment of the cleanliness of water systems and is particularly suited to monitoring high-risk water systems and remedial activities.

Legionella are commonly occurring bacteria, found in both natural and artificial water systems. These bacteria can multiply rapidly in favourable conditions of between 20-45°C, where nutrients, such as biofilm, sediment and sludge are present, common in man-made water systems.

All employers and premise owners are required to monitor their water systems for the presence of Legionella bacteria, in line with the Health and Safety Executive Approved Code of Practice and Guidance Document, L8 Legionnaires' Disease – The Control of Legionella Bacteria in Water Systems.

STL have introduced the new method to complement their existing Legionella analysis; detection by Standard Culture, a UKAS accredited method that reports results as colony forming units per litre for both Legionella pneumophila and Legionella spp, making it ideal for routine monitoring.

SOURCE: Severn Trent Laboratories