Legionella Testing Laboratory

Researchers have made a connection to areas in Connecticut that have been experiencing a higher occurrence of Legionnaires’ disease dating back to 1999 to the proximity of these locations to certain rivers and watersheds. The study, published in The Journal of Infectious Diseases, found an increased number of sporadic Legionnaires’ disease cases were related to elevated rainfall and greater stream flow. Researchers concluded that their findings confirmed a possible link between weather conditions and the incidence of Legionnaires’ disease.

Legionella is commonly found in a variety of natural and building water sources. Exposure occurs when it is aerosolized and then inhaled or aspirated by susceptible individuals. Symptoms of Legionellosis vary, including fever, chills, and coughing for Pontiac Fever to a very serious form of pneumonia with long term health effects for Legionnaires’ disease.

“EMSL Analytical, Inc. has been on the forefront of Legionella testing and works to maintain up-to-date certifications in order to provide quality Legionella analysis,” said Christopher Goulah, Ph.D., Legionella Technical Manager at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “EMSL has 20 CDC ELITE proficient Legionella laboratories within its network, which spans across the United States and Canada.”

EMSL also performs quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) testing for Legionella at their corporate headquarters in Cinnaminson, New Jersey. They are the only commercial testing laboratory in the country that offers qPCR testing for L. pneumophila, L. pneumophila serotype 1 and Legionella spp. in one convenient test. They can also perform Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) for outbreak source investigations involving all species and serotypes of Legionella.

As an added resource, EMSL supplies a free Legionella Pocket Guide that includes important information on the bacteria along with different sampling techniques. Click here to request a free copy. Additionally, EMSL offers a range of free webinars, including presentations about Legionella and other environmental topics. To view EMSL’s complete list of free webinars, please click here.

To view a complete list of EMSL’s Legionella laboratory locations, accreditations and capabilities, please visit www.legionellatesting.com. For service questions, please contact Christopher Goulah, Ph.D., for expert information at 716-651-0030 extension 1407. To view a complete list of laboratory locations within EMSL’s network along with accreditations and capabilities, please visit www.EMSL.com or www.LATesting.com. To learn more, please email info@LATesting.com or call (800) 755-1794. 

About EMSL Canada, Inc.

EMSL Canada is an internationally recognized provider of environmental, indoor air quality and materials testing services and products to professionals and the general public. The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies.