Environmental Legionella Culture:
Sample Collection Instructions

1. Complete the requisition form provided (online form is also available at www.specialpathogenslab.com).
2. Use waterproof pen to label bottle and swab with sample location, description, and date.
3. Remove aerator if present.  Moisten the outlet by turning on the hot water – briefly. Insert swab into faucet opening rotating four (4) times against the inner surface as it moves up into the opening.
4. Turn on hot water and immediately fill the bottle (~120 ml). Insert swab (taken from same location) into bottle and vigorously swirl for approximately 30 seconds and discard. Close bottle and invert to mix neutralizer.
5. Place water sample in shipping pouch with absorbent material -close pouch using zip lock seal.
6. Repeat steps 2-5 with next sample location.

1. Open the drain valve at the base of the heater or tank and immediately collect 120 ml of the flowing water into the sample bottle.
2. Let the water continue to drain for 15-30 seconds to flush out residual water within the drain pipe.
3. Collect another 120 ml sample into a second sample bottle.
4. Submit both samples, labeled Immediate and Post Flush.

Note: Swabs are not considered an appropriate sample for hot water tanks.

• Submerge open bottle just under the surface of water to obtain approximately 120 ml of sample.

Note: Swabs are not considered an appropriate sample for routine testing of cooling towers.

1. Ship the same day samples are collected.
2. Sample(s) may be refrigerated (2-8° C) overnight if necessary.
3. Seal thermal pouch and place in box.
4. Place completed requisition in box (outside of thermal shipping pouch)
5. SHIP OVERNIGHT MONDAY – THURSDAY ONLY to:

Special Pathogens Laboratory
1401 Forbes Avenue, Suite 209
Pittsburgh, PA 15219

See also:

• About Our Legionella Testing
• Legionella Frequently Asked Questions