Legionella spp. Identification

Human (Environmental origin: Isolates only with prior approval) 

Clinical

• Tissue; Pleural Fluid; Sputum; Bronchial Washings in sterile, leakproof container. 

Pure Isolate

• Isolates should be prepared on appropriate slants-Buffered Charcoal Yeast (BCYE) 

Isolate:  At least one viable colony 

Clinical sample:

• <48 hours store at 4°C
• ≥48 hours: Freeze immediately at ≤-20°C

Isolate: Store ≤14 days at 4°C

• At least two patient-specific identifiers required (e.g., patient full name, date of birth, medical record number). 
• Three patient identifiers are preferred. 
• Identifiers on specimen must exactly match submission form.
• Additional DSHS Laboratory specimen labeling guidelines available online here.

• Ship according to Dangerous Good Regulations, IATA, and/or CFR 49. 
• Category B Biological Substance, UN3373 shipping requirements apply.
• Handle as infectious agent using universal precautions.
• Triple-contain in accordance to regulatory requirements.
• Submitters are responsible for packaging and shipping specimens according to regulatory requirements.
• Laboratory does not supply collection kits or shipping materials.
• Additional DSHS Laboratory specimen labeling guidelines online her

Clinical

•  <48hrs from collection ship on cold pack 
• >48hrs freeze at ≤-20°C and ship on dry ice. 

Isolate

• Ship on cold pack.  

• Material must be viable. 
• Improper storage or shipping temperatures limit organism recovery.

• Insufficient quantity
• Unacceptable specimen type or source
• Improper shipping conditions
• Expired media or collection container
• Discrepancies between specimen label and submission form
• Incomplete or missing submission form