Sign in →

Order Code LAB7520 Legionella Culture, Varies

Additional Codes

Mayo Test ID
LEGI

Reporting Name

Legionella Culture

Useful For

Diagnosis of Legionnaires disease

Specimen Type

Varies


Additional Testing Requirements


Because examination by rapid polymerase-chain reaction (PCR) increases sensitivity and provides faster results, it is strongly recommended to also order LEGRP / Legionella species, Molecular Detection, PCR, Varies.



Necessary Information


Specimen source is required.



Specimen Required


Specimen Type: Lower respiratory

Sources: Bronchoalveolar lavage, bronchial aspirate/brushing/lavage/washing, tracheal/endotracheal secretions/aspirate, sputum

Container/Tube: Sterile container

Specimen Volume: Entire collection

 

Specimen type: Fresh tissue or biopsy

Sources: Lung, pleura, heart valve, pericardium

Container/Tube: Sterile container

Specimen Volume: 5 mm(3)

Collection Instructions: Aseptically collect a 1 to 2 cm(3) piece of tissue whenever possible

 

Specimen type: Fluid

Sources: Pericardial, pleural, chest, chest tube drainage, thoracentesis, empyema

Container/Tube: Sterile container

Specimen Volume: 2 mL


Specimen Minimum Volume

See Specimen Required

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time
Varies Refrigerated 48 hours

Reject Due To

All specimens will be evaluated at Mayo Clinic Laboratories for test suitability.

Reference Values

No growth of Legionella species after 7 days of incubation

Performing Laboratory

Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester

Day(s) Performed

Monday through Sunday

Method Name

Conventional Culture Technique

CPT Code Information

87081-Legionella culture

87077-Ident by MALDI-TOF mass spec (if appropriate)

87153-Aerobe ident by sequencing (if appropriate)

87176-Tissue processing (if appropriate)

Method Description

Specimens are cultured on buffered charcoal-yeast extract-based media. Colonies may appear within a few days; however, cultures are incubated for 7 days before issuing a negative report. Positive specimens will be identified via matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry and/or 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene sequencing.(Edelstein PH. Improved semi-selective medium for isolation of Legionella pneumophila from contaminated clinical and environmental specimens. J Clin Microbiol. 1981;14:298-303; CLSI. Interpretive Criteria for Identification of Bacteria and Fungi by Targeted DNA Sequencing. 2nd ed. CLSI Guideline MM18. Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute; 2018)

Reflex Tests

Test ID Reporting Name Available Separately Always Performed
RMALD Ident by MALDI-TOF mass spec No, (Bill Only) No
ISAE Aerobe Ident by Sequencing No, (Bill Only) No
TISSR Tissue Processing No, (Bill Only) No

Testing Algorithm

When this test is ordered, the reflex tests may be performed at an additional charge.

Forms

If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Microbiology Test Request (T244) with the specimen.