Legionella serology, Blood

Department

Microbiology - Serology

Delphic Registration Code

VSER

Laboratory Handling

Laboratory

Paired sera (acute and convalescent 21 days apart) required. Referred to ESR, Kenepuru

Turnaround Time

4 weeks

Test Code

2437

Specimen Type

• Serum

Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• Serum (Red Cap)

Acceptable

• Serum (Red Cap)
• SST II (Gold Cap)

Preferred Sample Volume (ml)

10.0

Minimum Sample Volume (ml)

5.0

No of Samples Required

1

Pre-testing Requirements

Single samples will not be tested. The preferred method for the diagnosis of infection with Legionella is sputum.

Paired (acute and convalescent 21 days apart) samples with good relevant clinical history will be forwarded to ESR for testing . Single serum samples taken at any stage of disease are of no diagnostic value and will no longer be forwarded unless specifically requested by ESR.

Aliquot Instructions

Sample Type

• Serum

Minimum Volume (ml)

1.0

Transport to Lab

Chilled (2 - 8 degrees Celsius)
If overnight - Chilled (2 - 8 degrees Celsius)

Additional Referral/Aliquot Information

Single samples will not be tested. The preferred method for the diagnosis of infection with Legionella is sputum.

Paired samples (acute and convalescent 21 days apart) with good relevant clinical history will be forwarded to ESR for testing . Single serum samples taken at any stage of disease are of no diagnostic value and will no longer be forwarded unless specifically requested by ESR.

Referred to ESR, Kenepuru

Interpretation

Legionellosis is a notifiable disease

Reference Intervals

Reported as titres to the main serogroups and species with a summary of overall results as Negative or Positive including a speciation when Positive.

Test Method

IFAT referred to ESR, Kenepuru

Non-Funded Test Cost

$33.29 (Exclusive of GST)

Billing Code

2437

Convalescent sample required 3 weeks post acute. Both specimens are then tested in parallel. Onset date of illness required.

Contact Information

Enquiry Form