Legionella Testing Services

Last month, the Indiana Department of Correction (IDOC) announced that an outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease had been confirmed among the incarcerated population at Pendleton Correctional Facility. Three cases were confirmed, and two additional probable cases had been identified at the time of the announcement. All five incarcerated individuals were hospitalized for treatment.

IDOC reported:

Legionnaires’ disease is a bacterial lung infection that is spread via aerosolized water droplets, such as mist or steam, and not through person-to-person contact. IDOC and the Indiana Department of Health are working to determine the source, and in the meantime have turned off the hot water and communicated with offenders and staff about the outbreak. Appropriate remediation will take place based on the results of testing that is underway. Protecting the incarcerated population and staff at the facility is the top priority.

Legionnaires' disease can be fatal in up to 10% of diagnosed cases according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Past outbreaks have been associated with plumbing systems, cooling towers, hot tubs, hot water tanks, and even decorative fountains. Taking proactive measures to test manmade water systems, as part of a water management program to detect Legionella exposure risks, can help to prevent illnesses, outbreaks, and fatalities. If an outbreak has already occurred, testing can be instrumental for identifying the source of the bacteria to prevent others from developing the disease.

“Over the past several years there have been a number of outbreaks of Legionnaires’ disease in correctional facilities, including in California and Florida,” said Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., Vice President of Microbiology and Life Sciences at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “EMSL Analytical, Inc., with a location in Indiana and dozens more across the United States and Canada, offers traditional culturing methods, and rapid PCR and Whole Genome Sequencing test methods to identify Legionella from all types of environmental samples. Over twenty of our laboratories have received the CDC’s Certificate of Proficiency from its Elite Program for Legionella testing and a number of them are also NYSDOH ELAP Legionella certified laboratories.”

To learn more about Legionella or other microbial testing services, please visit www.LegionellaTesting.com or www.EMSL.com, email info@EMSL.com or call (800) 220-3675.


About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP <797>, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOC’s, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products, and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA-LAP, LLC (AIHA-LAP, LLC EMLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC IHLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP, and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.