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HelpTest Code LEGCUL Legionella Culture, Varies
Additional Codes
| Mayo Test ID |
|---|
| LEGI |
Reporting Name
Legionella CultureUseful For
Diagnosis of Legionnaires disease
Reflex Tests
| Test ID | Reporting Name | Available Separately | Always Performed |
|---|---|---|---|
| RMALD | Ident by MALDI-TOF mass spec | No, (Bill Only) | No |
| ISAE | Aerobe Ident by Sequencing | No, (Bill Only) | No |
| TISSR | Tissue Processing | No, (Bill Only) | No |
Testing Algorithm
When this test is ordered, the reflex tests may be performed at an additional charge.
Method Name
Conventional Culture Technique
Performing Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
Specimen Type
VariesAdditional Testing Requirements
Because examination by rapid polymerase-chain reaction (PCR) increases sensitivity and provides faster results, it is strongly recommended to also order LEGRP / Legionella species, Molecular Detection, PCR, Varies.
Necessary Information
Specimen source is required.
Specimen Required
Specimen Type: Lower respiratory
Sources: Bronchoalveolar lavage, bronchial aspirate/brushing/lavage/washing, tracheal/endotracheal secretions/aspirate, sputum
Container/Tube: Sterile container
Specimen Volume: Entire collection
Specimen type: Fresh tissue or biopsy
Sources: Lung, pleura, heart valve, pericardium
Container/Tube: Sterile container
Specimen Volume: 5 mm(3)
Collection Instructions: Aseptically collect a 1 to 2 cm(3) piece of tissue whenever possible
Specimen type: Fluid
Sources: Pericardial, pleural, chest, chest tube drainage, thoracentesis, empyema
Container/Tube: Sterile container
Specimen Volume: 2 mL
Specimen Minimum Volume
See Specimen Required
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Varies | Refrigerated | 48 hours |
Reject Due To
All specimens will be evaluated at Mayo Clinic Laboratories for test suitability.Reference Values
No growth of Legionella species after 7 days of incubation
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Sunday
CPT Code Information
87081-Legionella culture
87077-Ident by MALDI-TOF mass spec (if appropriate)
87153-Aerobe ident by sequencing (if appropriate)
87176-Tissue processing (if appropriate)
LOINC Code Information
| Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| LEGI | Legionella Culture | 593-4 |
| Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| LEGI | Legionella Culture | 593-4 |
Clinical Information
The Legionellaceae are ubiquitous in natural freshwater habitats, allowing them to colonize artificial water supplies (eg, reservoirs), which may then serve as the source for human infections.
Legionella pneumophila and the related species, Legionella bozemanii, Legionella dumoffii, Legionella gormanii, Legionella micdadei, Legionella longbeachae, and Legionella jordanis have been isolated from patients with pneumonia (Legionnaires disease). The organism has been isolated from lung tissue, bronchoalveolar lavage, pleural fluid, and sputum. The signs, symptoms, and radiographic findings of Legionnaires disease are generally nonspecific.
Interpretation
Identification of Legionella species from respiratory specimens provides a definitive diagnosis of Legionnaires disease.
Organisms isolated are identified as Legionella species via matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry and/or 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene sequencing.
Cautions
Although semi-selective media is utilized, recovery of Legionella in specimens heavily contaminated with indigenous microbiota (ie, sputum) may be difficult.
Method Description
Specimens are cultured on buffered charcoal-yeast extract-based media. Colonies may appear within a few days; however, cultures are incubated for 7 days before issuing a negative report. Positive specimens will be identified via matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry and/or 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene sequencing.(Edelstein PH. Improved semi-selective medium for isolation of Legionella pneumophila from contaminated clinical and environmental specimens. J Clin Microbiol. 1981;14:298-303; CLSI. Interpretive Criteria for Identification of Bacteria and Fungi by Targeted DNA Sequencing. 2nd ed. CLSI Guideline MM18. Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute; 2018)