Legionella Testing

Houston, Texas, July 24, 2023

In June, there were multiple media reports of close to 100 inmates being moved from a part of the Brazos County Jail after local officials were notified that Legionella bacteria was detected in the HVAC system that serviced one of the housing units. It was also shared that actions were underway to treat the facility’s water systems and air handling units.

Legionella can be found naturally in the environment, typically in water, and in some building water systems. If people inhale contaminated water from a building water system or cooling towers that have not been adequately maintained, they could potentially develop Legionnaires’ disease or Pontiac fever.

Certain groups are more likely to become seriously ill if infected, these include individuals who are 65 years of age or older, smokers, people with chronic lung disease, and individuals with a weakened immune system. Tragically, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that Legionnaires’ disease can be fatal in up to 10% of diagnosed cases. This is why the agency reports that buildings may need a water management program to reduce the risk of Legionnaires’ disease associated with building water systems and devices.

“Over the past several years there have been a number of correctional facilities in states across the country that have detected Legionella or have experienced outbreaks of Legionnaires’ disease,” said Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., Vice President of Microbiology and Life Sciences at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “To support proactive water management programs or to identify the source of an outbreak if one has already occurred, the laboratories of EMSL Analytical offer testing services. We provide rapid PCR and Whole Genome Sequencing methods, as well as traditional culturing methods, to identify Legionella from environmental samples. These same tests can be utilized to confirm remediation and disinfection efforts have been successful after the discovery of the bacteria.”

To learn more about Legionella testing services, or to request sampling supplies and test kits, 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 with locations 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, VOCs, 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 EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA 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.