Air Environment

24 Hour Legionella Testing

Rapid Legionella PCR test – get your UKAS accredited Legionella sample result within 24 hours by SMS text.

In partnership with an external UKAS accredited laboratory, SMS Environmental can now offer Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Legionella testing that gives an accurate legionella result within 24 hours – this can be crucial when you need the information to reopen a facility or system knowing that it’s safe to operate.

The standard method for the quantification of Legionella in water systems is the culture method which is labour intensive and can take up to 12 days to generate a confirmed result.

With the most significant advancement in legionella testing for 30 years SMS Environmental is able to offer a real-time assay for the quantification of Legionella in environmental samples using GeneExtract® for DNA extraction and purification and GeneDisc® Cycler for real-time PCR.

Gene Extrator
GeneExtract ®

Gene Disc
GeneDisc®

Gene Cycler
GeneDisc Cycler ®

Benefits of the Rapid Legionella PCR test

Water Hygiene Evaluation – Gives you peace of mind that any Legionella control measures or remedial actions are working.
Enables rapid Legionella risk assessment and crisis prevention
Gives real time monitoring for viable Legionella bacteria

Customer Focused

Our Rapid Legionella PCR service includes:

Accredited Legionella test results within 24 hours
A reported result turnaround time of 48hrs
Tailored packages to meet specific requirements
Free sample bottles supplied
Electronic reporting format including SMS, Internet or email

Rapid Legionella PCR Analytical process

Filtration – through 0.45µm polycarbonate membrane
DNA Extraction – lysis buffer, sonication and heating
DNA Purification – to isolate DNA
PCR analysis – sample mixed with enzymes to amplify DNA, fluorescence signal intensity is then measured

Technical Specifications

Two Genediscs are available specificly to detect either Legionella spp. or Legionella pneumophila
Detection limit of 167 Genomic Units/l of sample
The Quantification limit of 833 Genomic Units/l of sample. The Quantification limit corresponds to the smallest quantity of Legionella pneumophila Genomic Units required to generate an accurate result.
Suitable for a range of matrices
- Up to 1 litre for Process waters
- 10g for Solid samples
- Up to 1 litre for Environmental waters
Sensitivity – greater sensitivity than the culture method
Practicality – high solid/turbid samples easier to analyse

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How does the Genesystem® detect only viable Legionella?

A: The 0.45µm polycarbonate membrane lets free DNA pass through the membrane and retains fully formed cells. Therefore only viable Legionella are retained on the membrane.

Q: What is the difference between CFU and GU?

A: CFU is a measure unit of the ability of a cell to form a colony. GU is a measure of DNA present in a single cell. GU values are often higher because it detects stressed cells or intra-organelle cells which wouldn’t normally be detected by culture methods.

For your Rapid Legionella PCR test contact us now.